Give reasons for the following
(a) `C Cl_(4)` is immiscible in water, whereas `SiCl_(4)` is easily hydrolysed.
(b) Carbon has a strong tendency for catenation compared to silicon.

Explanation

(i) `C Cl_(4)` is immicible with water and cannot be hydrolysed because the central carbon atom has no vacant orbitals and cannot accept elec tron pairs from `H_(2)O` molecules, On the other hand, `SiCl_(4)` can be easily hydrolysed because silicon atom has vacant 3d orbitals and can accept electron paris from `H_(2)O` molecuels. For more detals, consult section 11.7.
(ii) For answer, consult section11.6.