Explain the following : Pb^(4+) acts as an oxidizing agent but Sn^(2+) acts as a reducing agent .

Explain the following : Pb^(4+) acts as an oxidizing agent but Sn^(2+)

1.	Explain the following : Pb^(4+) acts as an oxidizing agent but Sn^(2+) acts as a reducing agent .
Answer» Solution :`Pb^(4+)` by gaining 2 electrons changes into `Pb^(2+)` which is more STABLE due to inert pair effect .`Sn^(2+)`is less stable than `Sn^(4+)` by losing electrons. Therefore , `Pb^(4+)` acts as an oxidizingagent while `Sn^(2+)` acts as a reducing agent. `Sn^(2+) to Sn^(+4) + 2E^(-)` `Pb^(4+) + 2e^(-) to Pb^(2+)`