`C Cl_(4)` is inert towards hydrolysis but `SiCl_(4)` is readily hydrolysed because

Options

A. carbon cannot expand its octet but silicon can expand its octet
B. ionisation potential of carbon is higher than silicon
C. carbon forms double and triple bonds
D. electronegativity of carbon is higher than of silicon

Explanation

To understand why CCl₄ is inert towards hydrolysis while SiCl₄ readily undergoes hydrolysis, we can analyze the electronic structure and properties of carbon and silicon.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Identify the Compounds**: We are comparing two compounds, CCl₄ (carbon tetrachloride) and SiCl₄ (silicon tetrachloride).

2. **Examine the Central Atoms**: The central atom in CCl₄ is carbon (C), and in SiCl₄, it is silicon (Si).

3. **Electronic Configuration**:
- Carbon has the electronic configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p². It does not have any d-orbitals available for bonding.
- Silicon has the electronic configuration of 1s² 2s² 2p⁶ 3s² 3p². It has empty 3d orbitals that can be utilized for bonding.

4. **Octet Expansion**:
- Carbon, being in the second period of the periodic table, cannot expand its octet because it lacks d-orbitals. Therefore, it can only accommodate a maximum of 8 electrons around it.
- Silicon, being in the third period, can expand its octet due to the availability of d-orbitals. This allows silicon to accommodate more than 8 electrons when forming bonds.

5. **Reactivity Towards Hydrolysis**:
- Hydrolysis involves the reaction of a compound with water. For SiCl₄, the ability to expand its octet allows it to form additional bonds with water molecules, leading to hydrolysis.
- In contrast, CCl₄ cannot form additional bonds due to the lack of d-orbitals and therefore remains inert towards hydrolysis.

6. **Conclusion**: The primary reason CCl₄ is inert towards hydrolysis while SiCl₄ is readily hydrolyzed is that carbon cannot expand its octet (due to the absence of d-orbitals), whereas silicon can expand its octet (due to the presence of d-orbitals).

### Final Answer:
CCl₄ is inert towards hydrolysis because carbon cannot expand its octet, while SiCl₄ can readily hydrolyze because silicon can expand its octet.