Question

$CC{l}_4$ does not show hydrolysis but $SiC{l}_4$ is readily hydrolysed because:

• A. IP of carbon is higher than that os silicon
• B. electronegativity if carbon is higher than that of silicon
• C. carbon cannot expand its octet but silicon can
• D. carbon forms double and triple bonds but not silicon

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

carbon cannot expand its octet but silicon can

$CC{l}_4$ cannot show hydrolysis but $SiC{l}_4$ is readily hydrolysed. This is because the carbon atom in the $CC{l}_4$ does not have any vacant d-orbital whereas $Si$ atom in $SiC{l}_4$ have vacant d-orbtial.

Because of the absence of d-orbital, the carbon atom in $CC{l}_4$ cannot expand its octet and cannot make more than 4 bond at a time.