Lead and Iodine, Lead Iodide question?

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Lead iodide has the chemical formula PbI2 due to lead's most stable oxidation state being +2. While lead can exhibit multiple oxidation states, including +4, the +2 state is predominant in this compound. Iodine, requiring only one electron to achieve a stable octet, pairs with lead in a 1:2 ratio, resulting in the formula PbI2. This understanding clarifies the confusion regarding the potential formula PbI4.

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**EDIT** Never mind just realized that it is lead(II) in PbI2. Hehe... Awkward
Why does lead iodide have the formula PbI2?
Pb needs to lose (or gain) 4 electrons to have a stable octet and Iodine needs to gain only 1. So why isn't the equation PbI4? It seems like it should be... Please explain if you can.
Thanks :)
 
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Lead is one of those elements with multiple oxidation states (either +2 or +4). The most common state is +2, which is why lead iodide is PbI2
 
SteamKing said:
Lead is one of those elements with multiple oxidation states (either +2 or +4). The most common state is +2, which is why lead iodide is PbI2

Haha I just realized. Thanks :D
 

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