Question

 PbCl₄ is less stable than PbCl₂

Answer 1

i. Pb has electronic configuration [Xe] 4f¹⁴ 5d¹⁰ 6s² 6p².
ii. Due to poor shielding of 6s² electrons by inner d and f electrons, it is difficult to remove 6s² electrons (inert pair).
iii. Thus, due to inert pair effect, +2 oxidation state is more stable than +4 oxidation state.
Hence, PbCl₄ is less stable than PbCl₂.