The most characteristic oxidation state for lead and tin is, respectively:
+4, +2
+2, +4
+4, +4
+2, +2
In Group 14 elements, the general valence shell electronic configuration is , allowing for +2 and +4 oxidation states. As we move down the group from Carbon to Lead, the stability of the +4 oxidation state decreases, while the stability of the +2 oxidation state increases due to the inert pair effect (the reluctance of the inner electrons to participate in bonding due to poor shielding by and orbitals) [Source 19].
Therefore, the correct order is +2 for Lead and +4 for Tin.
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