Which of the following is most basic ?

Options

A. ` CO`
B. `GeO`
C. `SnO`
D. `PbO`

Answer

To determine which of the given oxides is the most basic, we can follow these steps:

### Step 1: Understand Basicity
Basicity refers to the ability of a substance to accept protons (H⁺ ions). The more readily a compound can accept protons, the more basic it is.

### Step 2: Identify the Group
The question involves oxides of elements from Group 14 of the periodic table, which includes Carbon (C), Silicon (Si), Germanium (Ge), Tin (Sn), and Lead (Pb).

### Step 3: Analyze the Oxides
The oxides mentioned are:
- CO (Carbon monoxide)
- GeO (Germanium oxide)
- SnO (Tin oxide)
- PbO (Lead oxide)

### Step 4: Consider Trends in Basicity
As we move down a group in the periodic table, the size of the atoms increases. This increase in size generally leads to an increase in basic character of the oxides. This is because larger atoms can better stabilize the negative charge that results from accepting a proton.

### Step 5: Compare Basicity of the Oxides
- CO is not a basic oxide; it is more covalent and does not exhibit basic properties.
- GeO is less basic compared to SnO and PbO.
- SnO is more basic than GeO but less basic than PbO.
- PbO, being the oxide of the heaviest element in this group, is expected to be the most basic.

### Step 6: Conclusion
Based on the trend of increasing basicity down the group, PbO (Lead oxide) is the most basic among the given options.

**Final Answer: PbO is the most basic oxide.**

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