Question

Give reason for the following observations: 

(a) The tendency for catenation decreases down the group. 

(b) The decreasing stability of +3 oxidations state with increasing atomic number in group 13. 

(c) PbO_₂ is a stronger oxidizing agent than SnO_₂. 

(d) Molten aluminium bromide is a poor conductor of electricity. 

Answer 1

(a) It is due to decrease in bond dissociation energy which is due to increase in atomic size. 

(b) It is due to Inert Pair Effect. 

(c) PbO₂ is stronger oxidizing agent than SnO₂ because Pb₂₊ is more stable than Pb⁴⁺ whereas Sn⁴⁺ is more stable than Sn²⁺. 

(d) Molten AlBr₃ is poor conductor of electricity because it is covalent compound.