Which among the following statements is false ?

Options

A. `Ge(OH)_2` is amphoteric
B. `GeCl_2` is more stable than `GeCl_4`
C. `GeO_2` is weakly acidic
D. `GeCl_4` in HCl forms `[GeCl_6]^(2-)` ions

Answer

To determine which statement is false among the given options, we will analyze each statement step by step.

### Step 1: Understanding Amphoteric Nature
- **Statement**: "Ge(OH)₂ is amphoteric."
- **Explanation**: An amphoteric substance can react with both acids and bases. Ge(OH)₂ can react with hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form GeCl₂ and water, and it can also react with sodium hydroxide (NaOH) to form Na₂Ge(OH)₄. Therefore, this statement is **true**.

### Step 2: Stability of GeCl₂ and GeCl₄
- **Statement**: "GeCl₂ is more stable than GeCl₄."
- **Explanation**: To analyze the stability, we need to consider the oxidation states of germanium (Ge) in both compounds. In GeCl₂, Ge is in the +2 oxidation state, while in GeCl₄, it is in the +4 oxidation state. The +4 oxidation state corresponds to a fully filled outer electron shell, making GeCl₄ more stable than GeCl₂. Thus, this statement is **false**.

### Step 3: Acidic Nature of GeO₂
- **Statement**: "GeO₂ is weakly acidic."
- **Explanation**: GeO₂, being a non-metal oxide, exhibits acidic properties. It is indeed considered weakly acidic. Therefore, this statement is **true**.

### Step 4: Formation of GeCl₆²⁻
- **Statement**: "GeCl₄ in HCl forms GeCl₆²⁻."
- **Explanation**: When GeCl₄ reacts with HCl, it can indeed form the complex ion GeCl₆²⁻. This reaction involves the coordination of chloride ions to the germanium center. Therefore, this statement is also **true**.

### Conclusion
After analyzing all statements:
1. Ge(OH)₂ is amphoteric - **True**
2. GeCl₂ is more stable than GeCl₄ - **False**
3. GeO₂ is weakly acidic - **True**
4. GeCl₄ in HCl forms GeCl₆²⁻ - **True**

Thus, the false statement is the second one: "GeCl₂ is more stable than GeCl₄."