Answer to Question #153328 in Inorganic Chemistry for Giren

Question

Give the formula of the chloride of group 4 element which is

A :Ionic and insoluble in water

B : Covalent and is hydrolysed in water

Answer 1

A) Each of these compounds has the formula XCl4. They are simple covalent molecules with a typical tetrahedral shape. They are liquids at room temperature (although at room temperature, lead(IV) chloride will tend to decompose to give lead(II) chloride and chlorine gas

B) silicon tetrachloride reacts violently with water to give white solid silicon dioxide and steamy fumes of HCl. Liquid SiCl4 fumes in moist air for this reason - it is reacting with water vapour in the air. The reaction of lead(IV) chloride with water is just like the silicon tetrachloride one.