Which of the following halides is inert towards hydrolysis at room temperature ?

Options

A. `SiCl_(4)`
B. `PCl_(3)`
C. `NCl_(3)`
D. `NF_(3)`

Answer

To determine which halide is inert towards hydrolysis at room temperature, we will analyze the properties of the given halides. The key focus will be on the ability of the halide to undergo hydrolysis when treated with water at room temperature.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Halides**: The question mentions halides, which typically include compounds like NF3, ClF3, BrF3, and ICl. We need to consider their reactivity towards hydrolysis.

2. **Understand Hydrolysis**: Hydrolysis is a reaction where water interacts with a compound, often resulting in the breakdown of that compound. For halides, this usually involves nucleophilic attack by water on the halogen or the central atom.

3. **Consider the Mechanism**: Hydrolysis of halides can occur via two mechanisms:
- **SN2 Mechanism**: A single step where the nucleophile (water) attacks the electrophile (the halide) leading to the displacement of the leaving group.
- **SN1 Mechanism**: A two-step process involving the formation of a carbocation intermediate before the nucleophile attacks.

4. **Evaluate NF3**:
- NF3 (Nitrogen trifluoride) is a stable molecule due to the strong N-F bonds.
- At room temperature, the nucleophile (water) cannot effectively attack the nitrogen or fluorine atoms because there are no low-lying vacant orbitals available for the nucleophile to interact with.
- As a result, NF3 does not undergo hydrolysis at room temperature.

5. **Compare with Other Halides**: Other halides like ClF3, BrF3, and ICl typically have more reactive bonds and can undergo hydrolysis more readily than NF3. They have available orbitals or weaker bonds that allow for the attack by water.

6. **Conclusion**: Based on the analysis, NF3 is the halide that is inert towards hydrolysis at room temperature. Therefore, the answer is NF3.

### Final Answer:
The halide that is inert towards hydrolysis at room temperature is **NF3**.