Chemistry - PERIODIC TABLE Question with Solution | TestHub

Stability of oxidation states in heavier p-block elements is governed by inert pair effect.

Down the group, the ns² electrons become less available for bonding.

Hence, lower oxidation states (+2) become more stable for group 14 elements.

So stability of +2 state increases down the group:

$S{i}^{2+}<G{e}^{2+}<S{n}^{2+}<P{b}^{2+}$

This is because Pb shows the strongest inert pair effect.

Hence, Pb²⁺ is the most stable among them.