Which ion does lead commonly form in compounds?

Which ion does lead commonly form in compounds?

• A. Pb2+
• B. Pb4+
• C. Pb+
• D. Pb0

Answer: (A)

In compounds, lead tends to form positive ions by losing electrons, and the most stable and common oxidation state for heavy main-group elements like lead is +2. This happens because removing the two electrons from the p orbital (the 6p electrons) gives Pb2+, which is energetically favorable since the inner s electrons (the 6s pair) are held more tightly in heavy elements—a phenomenon known as the inert pair effect. Trying to reach Pb4+ requires removing those s electrons as well, which costs a lot more energy, so Pb4+ is much less common. Pb+ and Pb0 are not typical ionic forms in ordinary compounds. Therefore, the ion lead most commonly forms in compounds is Pb2+.

In compounds, lead tends to form positive ions by losing electrons, and the most stable and common oxidation state for heavy main-group elements like lead is +2. This happens because removing the two electrons from the p orbital (the 6p electrons) gives Pb2+, which is energetically favorable since the inner s electrons (the 6s pair) are held more tightly in heavy elements—a phenomenon known as the inert pair effect. Trying to reach Pb4+ requires removing those s electrons as well, which costs a lot more energy, so Pb4+ is much less common. Pb+ and Pb0 are not typical ionic forms in ordinary compounds. Therefore, the ion lead most commonly forms in compounds is Pb2+.