Are "stannic ions" Sn^(4+) or "plumbic ions" Pb^(4+) oxidizing or reducing agents? What about "stannous ions" Sn^(2+) or "plumbous ions" Pb^(2+)?

1 Answer
Jun 1, 2017

The metal in the higher oxidation state is the reducing agent.......

Explanation:

The metal in the higher oxidation state is the reducing agent.......the electron pair acceptor:

And of course, these species could be reduced to give the bivalent metal ion..........

SnX_4 +2e^(-) rarr Sn^(2+) + 4X^-

PbX_4 +2e^(-) rarr Pb^(2+) + 4X^-