Question

The correct statements with respect to halides of group 14 elements are:
(I) Both CCl4 and SiCl4 undergo hydrolysis.
(II) GeX4 is more stable than GeX2.
(III) PbX4 is less stable than PbX2.
(IV) Stability of dihalides decreases down the group.

• A. I, IV only
• B. II, IV only
• C. II, III only
• D. III, IV only

Hint:

Down group 14, +2 oxidation state becomes more stable; hence, Pb prefers PbX\(_2\) over PbX\(_4\).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

- (I) Incorrect: \( \text{CCl}_4 \) does not hydrolyze due to lack of vacant d-orbitals. \( \text{SiCl}_4 \) does hydrolyze.
- (II) Correct: Higher oxidation state is more stable for Ge due to inert pair effect not being dominant yet.
- (III) Correct: \( \text{Pb}^{4+} \) is less stable than \( \text{Pb}^{2+} \) due to strong inert pair effect.
- (IV) Incorrect: Stability of dihalides increases down the group due to stabilization of +2 oxidation state.