If for the reaction PbO2 → PbO, ΔG° < 0
And for the reaction SnO2 → SnO, ΔG° > 0
What are the most probable oxidation states of Pb and Sn?
Oxidation states of the elements in the following compounds are
Since PbO2 → PbO change is accompanied by decrease in free energy it is a spontaneous change hence Pb in +2 state is more stable than in +4 state.
