Question:medium

Which of the following is incorrect statement ?

Updated On: May 7, 2026
  • $GeX_4$ (X= F, Cl. Br. I) is more stable than $GeX_2$
  • $SnF_4$ is ionic in nature
  • $PbF_4$ is covalent in nature
  • $SiCl_4$, is easily hydrolysed
Show Solution

The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Let's analyze the given statements one by one to determine which is incorrect:

  1. $GeX_4$ (X= F, Cl, Br, I) is more stable than $GeX_2$:
    Germanium (Ge) belongs to Group 14, which typically forms tetravalent compounds like $GeX_4$. These are generally more stable than divalent compounds like $GeX_2$. Thus, this statement is correct.
  2. $SnF_4$ is ionic in nature:
    The nature of a compound as ionic or covalent is determined by the difference in electronegativity between the atoms. Tin(IV) fluoride ($SnF_4$) is largely ionic due to the substantial electronegativity difference between Sn and F. Hence, this statement is correct.
  3. $PbF_4$ is covalent in nature:
    Lead typically forms covalent compounds in higher oxidation states due to the inert pair effect, making $PbF_4$ more covalent. Nevertheless, in reality, $PbF_4$ is more ionic because it involves a significant difference in electronegativity between Pb and F, leading to ionic character. Therefore, this statement is incorrect.
  4. $SiCl_4$ is easily hydrolyzed:
    Silicon tetrachloride ($SiCl_4$) is easily hydrolyzed in water to form Si(OH)4 and HCl because silicon has vacant d-orbitals that can accept lone pairs from water molecules. This statement is correct.

Based on this analysis, the incorrect statement is: $PbF_4$ is covalent in nature.

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