Question

Which of the following halides cannot be hydrolysed ?

• A. CCl₄
• B. SiCl₄
• C. GeCl₄
• D. SnCl₄

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

CCl₄ (Carbon tetrachloride) is a non-polar molecule and does not undergo hydrolysis. It is chemically inert to water because carbon does not have a strong enough ability to form bonds with water molecules, and C-Cl bonds are relatively stable.

SiCl₄ (Silicon tetrachloride), GeCl₄ (Germanium tetrachloride), and SnCl₄ (Tin tetrachloride) are metal halides that readily undergo hydrolysis. They react with water to form the corresponding metal hydroxides and hydrochloric acid (HCl):

• $SiCl₄ + 4H₂O → Si(OH)₄ + 4HCl$
• $GeCl₄ + 4H₂O → Ge(OH)₄ + 4HCl$
• $SnCl₄ + 4H₂O → Sn(OH)₄ + 4HCl$

Thus, CCl₄ does not undergo hydrolysis, making (A) the correct answer.

Answer 2

CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride) does not hydrolyse in water because it is a non-polar molecule and does not react with water. However, SiCl₄, GeCl₄, and SnCl₄ are more reactive and undergo hydrolysis to form silicates, germanates, and stannates, respectively.