Question

$CC{l}_4$ is inert towards hydrolysis but $SiC{l}_4$ is readily hydrolysed because:

• A. Carbon cannot expand its octet but silicon can expand its octet
• B. Ionisation potential of carbon is higher than sillcon
• C. Carbon forms double and triple bonds
• D. Electronegativity of carbon is higher than that of silicon

Answer 1

The correct option is A Carbon cannot expand its octet but silicon can expand its octet

Silicon atom is bigger and it has the advantage that there are empty 3d orbitals available to accept a lone pair from water molecule but carbon in carbon tetrachloride does not have empty 2-level orbitals available.