Answer: Tends to be oxidised to the more stable +4 state, so it is a reducing agent.
- A Is a strong oxidising agent
- B Tends to be oxidised to the more stable +4 state, so it is a reducing agent
- C Is strongly stabilised in the +2 state by a pronounced inert pair effect
- D Forms a stable +1 state
Correct answer: B. Tends to be oxidised to the more stable +4 state, so it is a reducing agent
Explanation: For tin the +4 state is more stable than +2, so Sn(II) readily loses two electrons to become Sn(IV), acting as a reducing agent (e.g., reducing HgCl<sub>2</sub> to Hg<sub>2</sub>Cl<sub>2</sub> and then Hg).
Diamond's rigid 3D tetrahedral network makes it the hardest natural material, while graphite's flat hexagonal sheets are held together only by weak forces, letting them slide past each other (used as a lubricant and in pencils).
Concept context
Covers the Boron family (Group 13: B, Al) and the Carbon family (Group 14: C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb). Key topics include Lewis acid behaviour of BF₃, borax bead test, silicates, silicones, allotropes of carbon, and trends in properties down the group.