Question

The thermal stability order for group 14 halides is:

• A. $Ge{X}_2<Si{X}_2<Sn{X}_2<Pb{X}_2$
• B. $Si{X}_2<Ge{X}_2<Pb{X}_2<Sn{X}_2$
• C. $Si{X}_2<Ge{X}_2<Sn{X}_2<Pb{X}_2$
• D. $Pb{X}_2<Sn{X}_2<Ge{X}_2<Si{X}_2$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $Si{X}_2<Ge{X}_2<Sn{X}_2<Pb{X}_2$

The stability of group 14 tetrahalides decreases down the group while that of dihalides increases down the the group due to an increase in inert pair effect.