Question:medium

Which of the following is incorrect statement?

Updated On: Apr 23, 2026
  • \(PbF_4\) is covalent in nature 
  • \(SiCl_4\) is easily hydrolysed 
  • \(GeX_4\) (\(X=F, Cl, Br, I\)) is more stable than \(GeX_2 \)
  • \(SnF_4\) is ionic in nature
Show Solution

The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

To determine the incorrect statement, we need to evaluate the nature of each compound provided in the options. Let's go through each one:

  1. \(PbF_4\) is covalent in nature
    • Lead fluoride, \(PbF_4\), is generally considered ionic in nature due to the significant difference in electronegativity between lead (Pb) and fluorine (F). However, due to the presence of a highly electronegative fluorine and the higher oxidation state of lead (+4), some degree of covalency can be present. Nonetheless, it’s commonly considered to have ionic characteristics.
    • Thus, the statement claiming it is covalent without qualification is incorrect.
  2. \(SiCl_4\) is easily hydrolysed
    • Silicon tetrachloride, \(SiCl_4\), is indeed easily hydrolyzed by water.
    • This is due to silicon’s ability to form strong bonds with oxygen. When \(SiCl_4\) comes into contact with water, it reacts to form silicic acid and hydrochloric acid.
  3. \(GeX_4\) (X = F, Cl, Br, I) is more stable than \(GeX_2\)
    • Germanium tetrahalides \(GeX_4\) are more stable than germanium dihalides \(GeX_2\).
    • This increased stability is due to germanium being in a higher oxidation state (+4) compared to the lower oxidation state (+2) in \(GeX_2\), thereby providing greater stability.
  4. \(SnF_4\) is ionic in nature
    • Tin(IV) fluoride, \(SnF_4\), has a high degree of ionic character due to the presence of highly electronegative fluorine atoms and the +4 oxidation state of tin, leading to a weakened bond covalency.
    • Thus, this statement is correct as \(SnF_4\) is largely ionic in nature.

After evaluating all options, the statement that is incorrect is: \(PbF_4\) is covalent in nature.

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