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Inorganic Chemistry · Problem type
Inert-pair effect
Use this for “Which is more stable, PbCl₂ or PbCl₄? Why is PbO₂ a strong oxidizing agent?”
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Which oxidation state is more stable for the element?
Tap a card, then tap its group.
Find the element’s group and period: the lighter elements use all their valence electrons, the heaviest keep their s pair.
Assumptions
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The highest state equals the number of valence electrons: +3 in group 13, +4 in group 14, +5 in group 15.
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The inert pair is the ns² pair: when it stays out of bonding, the oxidation state is two less than the highest.
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Each card asks for the more stable state in common compounds and in water.
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