Question

The members of group 14 form tetrahalides of the type $M{X}_4$. Which of the following halides cannot be readily hydrolysed by water ?

• A. $C{X}_4$
• B. $Si{X}_4$
• C. $Ge{X}_4$
• D. $Sn{X}_4$

Answer 1

The correct option is A $C{X}_4$

Answer:- (A) $C{X}_4$

$C{X}_4$ is not hydrolysed by water because carbon does not have d-orbital and hence cannot expand it's co-ordination number beyond 4. In $C{X}_4$, the central atom cannot accommodate lone pair of electrons from oxygen atom of water molecule due to absence of d-orbital.

Thus, $C{X}_4$ cannot be readily hydrolysed by water.