The member of group 14 form tetrahalides of the type `MX_(4)`. Which of the following halides connot be readily hydrolysed by water?

Options

A. `CX_(4)`
B. `SiX_(4)`
C. `GeX_(4)`
D. `SnX_(4)`

Explanation

To determine which tetrahalide from the group 14 elements cannot be readily hydrolyzed by water, we need to analyze the hydrolysis behavior of each of the given tetrahalides: CX4, SiX4, GeX4, and SnX4.

### Step 1: Understand the Hydrolysis of Tetrahalides
Tetrahalides (MX4) can undergo hydrolysis when they react with water. The hydrolysis process involves the reaction of the tetrahalide with water to form a corresponding hydroxide and release halide ions. The ability of a tetrahalide to hydrolyze depends on the central atom's ability to accommodate lone pairs of electrons from water.

### Step 2: Analyze Each Tetrahalide
1. **CX4 (Carbon Tetrahalide)**:
- Carbon (C) does not have d-orbitals and has a tetrahedral geometry. It cannot expand its coordination number beyond 4. Therefore, it cannot accommodate the lone pairs from water molecules, making it unable to hydrolyze readily.

2. **SiX4 (Silicon Tetrahalide)**:
- Silicon (Si) can form SiX4, which can hydrolyze in water to form Si(OH)4 and release halide ions. This is because silicon has some ability to accommodate lone pairs, although it is less hydrolyzable compared to heavier elements.

3. **GeX4 (Germanium Tetrahalide)**:
- Germanium (Ge) can also hydrolyze in water, forming Ge(OH)4. It has d-orbitals that allow it to expand its coordination number and interact with water.

4. **SnX4 (Tin Tetrahalide)**:
- Tin (Sn) can hydrolyze in water as well, forming Sn(OH)4. Similar to germanium, tin has d-orbitals that facilitate hydrolysis.

### Step 3: Conclusion
Based on the analysis, the tetrahalide that cannot be readily hydrolyzed by water is **CX4 (Carbon Tetrahalide)**. This is due to the absence of d-orbitals in carbon, which prevents it from accommodating the lone pairs from water.

### Final Answer:
**CX4 (Carbon Tetrahalide) cannot be readily hydrolyzed by water.**