Join the Most Relevant JEE Main 2025 Test Series & get 99+ percentile! Join Now
Search any question & find its solution
Question: Answered & Verified by Expert
Among the following oxides, which one is weakly basic and yet a powerful oxidant?
Chemistryp Block Elements (Group 13 & 14)AP EAMCETAP EAMCET 2020 (17 Sep Shift 1)
Options:
  • A \(\mathrm{CO}_2\)
  • B \(\mathrm{SnO}_2\)
  • C \(\mathrm{SiO}_2\)
  • D \(\mathrm{PbO}_2\)
Solution:
1471 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: \(\mathrm{PbO}_2\)
For the dioxides of group- 14 elements \(\left(\mathrm{CO}_2, \mathrm{SiO}_2, \mathrm{GeO}_2\right.\) and \(\left.\mathrm{PbO}_2\right), \mathrm{PbO}_2\) is most basic in nature. Again, in oxidation state \(\mathrm{Pb}\) in +4 , which is less \(\mathrm{PbO}_2\) stable than its +2 state because of inert pair effect.
So, \(\mathrm{Pb}^{4+}\) of \(\mathrm{PbO}_2\) has a tendency to be reduced into more stable \(\mathrm{Pb}^{2+}\) (PbO) showing strong oxidising nature of \(\mathrm{PbO}_2\).

Looking for more such questions to practice?

Download the MARKS App - The ultimate prep app for IIT JEE & NEET with chapter-wise PYQs, revision notes, formula sheets, custom tests & much more.