The stability of the dihalides of Group 14 elements (Si, Ge, Sn, Pb) follows which of the following — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Down the group, the $ns^2$ electrons become increasingly reluctant to participate in bonding due to poor shielding by d and f orbitals (inert pair effect). This progressively stabilizes the lower (+2) oxidation state, making $PbX_2$ the most stable dihalide.