What is the oxidation number for lead in #PbCl_2#?

1 Answer
May 9, 2017

We have #Pb(+II)#...............

Explanation:

The oxidation state of an atom in a molecule/ion is the charge left on the atom when all the bonding pairs of electrons are removed with the charge (the electrons) devolved to the MOST electronegative atom.

When we do this for #PbCl_2#, we gets............

#PbCl_2 rarr Pb^(2+) + 2xxCl^-#.

What is the oxidation number for the metal in #PbCl_4#?