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Describe the general trends in the following properties of the elements in Groups-14 Oxidation states |
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Answer» Solution :Oxidation STATES : The common oxidation states exhibited by these elements are +4 and +2. Carbon also exhibits negative oxidation states. Since, the sum of the first four ionization enthalpies is very high, compounds in +4 oxidation state are generally covalent in nature. In heavier members, the tendency to show +2 oxidation state increases in the sequence `Ge lt Sn lt Pb`. It is due to the INABILITY of `ns^2` electrons of valence SHELL to participate in bonding. The relative stabilities of these two oxidation states VARY down the group. Carbon and silicon MOSTLY show +4 oxidation state. Germanium forms stable compounds in +4 state and only few compounds in +2 state. |
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