GROUP IV CHEMISTRY

Occurance

Carbon exists naturally as diamond and graphite in the crystalline form. Other non-
crystalline (amorphous) forms of carbon known exist e.g. wood charcoal, animal
charcoal, soot, sugar charcoal, lamp black, coke, coal e.t.c.
Silicon exists naturally as silicon IV oxide, SiO2, in sand and as quartz, and also as a
number of silicates in rocks and clays.
Germanium minerals are rare but the element occurs as traces in ores of other
metals and coal.
Tin is extracted from the ore Tinstone, SnO2.
Lead is extracted from the ore galena, PbS.

Extraction of the Elements: (Students’ research)

SILICON

After oxygen, silicon is the most abundant element in the earth's crust. It occurs extensively
as the oxide, silica, in various forms, for example, flint, quartz, sand, and as silicates in rocks
and clays, but not as the free element, silicon. Silicon is prepared by reduction of silica,
SiO2- Powdered "amorphous' silicon can be obtained by heating dry powdered silica with
either powdered magnesium or a mixture of powdered aluminium and sulphur (this
supplies additional heat). After the reaction has ceased, magnesium (or aluminium)oxide
and any unchanged silica is removed by washing with hydrofluoric acid in a polythene
vessel:

SiO2 + 2Mg 2MgO + Si

(If an excess of magnesium is used, magnesium silicide, Mg2Si, is also produced.) The
silicon obtained is a light brown hygroscopic powder. Crystalline or 'metallic' silicon is
obtained industrially by the reduction of silica with carbon in an electric arc furnace:

SiO2 + 2C 2CO + Si

The formation of silicon carbide, SiC (carborundum), is prevented by the addition of a little
iron; as much of the silicon is added to steel to increase its resistance to attack by acids, the
presence of a trace of iron does not matter. (Addition of silicon to bronze is found to
increase both the strength and the hardness of the bronze.)

Silicon is also manufactured by the reaction between silicon tetrachloride and zinc at 1300K
and by the reduction of trichlorosilane with hydrogen. Crystalline silicon has the tetrahedral
diamond arrangement, but since the mean thermo-chemical bond strength between the
silicon atoms is less than that found between carbon atoms (Si—Si, 226kJmol-1, C—C,
356kJmol-1), silicon does not possess the great hardness found in diamond. Amorphous
silicon (silicon powder) is microcrystalline silicon.

GERMANIUM

Germanium is a greyish-white, brittle solid, obtained by reducing the dioxide, GeO2, with
hydrogen or carbon at red heat. Germanium is a rare element found in trace quantities in
coke obtained from bituminous coal. When this coke is burnt, germanium dioxide, together
with many other metal oxides, is deposited in the flue. The extraction of germanium
𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 1
dioxide from this mixture is a complex process. Impure germanium and silicon are both
purified by zone refining and both can be obtained in a very high purity, for example silicon
pure to one part in 1010 can be obtained*. Germanium, like silicon, crystallises with a
diamond structure, the mean thermochemical bond strength being Ge—Ge, 188 kJ mol-1.
* Silicon and germanium are now used extensively in semi-conductors; for this purpose, extreme initial purity
is needed, since the desired semi-conducting properties are conferred by the introduction of only a few parts
per million of either a Group III element (for example indium), giving rise to a 'deficiency1 of electrons in the
silicon or germanium crystal, or a Group V element (for example arsenic) giving a 'surplus' of electrons.

TIN

The common ore of tin is tinstone or cassiterite, SnO2, found in Cornwall and in Germany
and other countries. The price of tin has risen so sharply in recent years that previously
disregarded deposits in Cornwall are now being re-examined. Tin is obtained from the tin
dioxide, SnO2, by reducing it with coal in a reverbatory furnace:

SnO2 + 2C 2CO + Sn

Before this treatment, the cassiterite content of the ore is increased by removing impurities
such as clay, by washing and by roasting which drives off oxides of arsenic and sulphur. The
crude tin obtained is often contaminated with iron and other metals. It is, therefore,
remelted on an inclined hearth; the easily fusible tin melts away, leaving behind the less
fusible impurities. The molten tin is finally stirred to bring it into intimate contact with air.
Any remaining metal impurities are thereby oxidised to form a scum ("tin dross') on the
surface and this can be skimmed off. Very pure tin can be obtained by zone refining. Tin
exists in three different forms (allotropes). 'Grey tin1 has a diamond structure, a density of
5.75gcm~3 and is stable below 286 K. 'White tin' exists as tetragonal crystals, has a density
of 7.31 gem"3 and is stable between 286 and 434 K. Between 434 K and the melting point
of tin, 505 K, tin has a rhombic structure, hence the name 'rhombic tin', and a density of
6.56 g cm~3.

LEAD

The principal ore of lead is galena, PbS. Although there are some galena deposits in Great
Britain, much of this country's requirements must be imported. In the extraction of lead,
the sulphide ore is first roasted together with quartz in a current of air:

2PbS + 3O2 2PbO + 2SO2

Any lead(II) sulphate formed in this process is converted to lead(II) silicate by reaction
with the quartz. The oxide produced is then mixed with limestone and coke and heated in a
blast furnace. The following reactions occur:

PbO + C Pb + CO

PbO + CO Pb + CO2

PbSiO3 + CaO + CO Pb + CaSiO3 + CO2

The last equation explains the function of the limestone. An older process, in which the ore
was partially roasted, the air shut off and the temperature raised so that excess sulphide
reacted with the oxide produced to give lead, is now obsolete.

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 2

Crude lead contains traces of a number of metals. The desilvering of lead is considered later
under silver , Other metallic impurities are removed by smelting under controlled
conditions when arsenic and antimony form a scum of lead(II) arsenate and antimonate on
the surface while copper forms an infusible alloy which also takes up any sulphur, and also
appears on the surface. The removal of bismuth, a valuable by-product, from lead is
accomplished by making the crude lead the anode in an electrolytic bath consisting of a
solution of lead in fluorosilicic acid. Gelatin is added so that a smooth coherent deposit of
lead is obtained on the pure lead cathode when the current is passed. The impurities here
(i.e. all other metals) form a sludge in the electrolytic bath and are not deposited on the
cathode. Lead has only one form, a cubic metallic lattice. Thus we can see the change from
non-metal to metal in the physical structure of these elements, occurring with increasing
atomic weight of the elements carbon, silicon, germanium, tin and lead.

Structures of the elements

a) Diamond

In diamond, carbon forms a giant atomic

structure in which every carbon atom forms
four strong covalent bonds by sharing its four
valence electrons with each of the four
neighbours. The bonds are tetrahedrally
arranged about each carbon atom. The network
of strong covalent continues infinitely giving
rise to a three-dimensional giant atomic
covalent structure

NOTE

a) Diamond is extremely hard because of the strength and uniformity of the bonding.
There are no planes of weakness in its crystal structure.
b) Diamond does not conduct electricity because all the four valence electrons of each
C –atom are used in bonding.
c) Silicon and Germanium are non-allotropic and both adopt giant-atomic /covalent
structures similar to that of diamond.
b) Graphite

A graphite crystal has layers of hexagonal rings of C-atoms. Each layer is a giant atomic
molecule in 2-D. Each C-atom is bonded covalently to three other atoms. (The atoms in the
layer are joined by strong Covalent bonds). However, the layers are joined by weak forces
(Van der Waal’s). This makes it possible for one layer to slide over the other, and as such,
graphite is slippery.

c) Tin: Tin has three allotropic forms ie.

o Grey tin
o White tin and
o Rhombic tin

White tin is the normal form at room temperature. Tin has a non-metallic diamond-like
structure in grey tin. The other allotropes are metallic with close-packed structures.

Note: Lead has no allotropes. It is metallic with a cubic close-packed structure.

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 3
Metallic character

Metallic character generally increases down the group.

C is a non-metal; Si and Ge are metalloids, Sn and Pb show typical metallic properties.

The increase in metallic character shows itself in the structures of the elements, physical
properties such as conductivity and malleability, increasing tendency to form M2+ ions and
the acidic or basic properties of the oxides and hydroxides.

Valence and oxidation states

All group 4 elements have a general outer configuration ns2 np2. As such, the elements show
two oxidation states +2 and +4.

The stability of the +2 ox-state increases down the group. This is due to the inert-pair
effect.

Inert –pair effect is the inability of the ns2 electrons to participate in bonding.

As the s-electrons are more penetrating, they experience greater

nuclear attraction and become relatively more stable than the np- Inert pair
electrons. This makes them less available to be involved in bonding. effect is also
defined as
 Each element has four outer electrons ns2 np2. The shielding of the the increase
outer shell for C and Si is quite efficient. However, as we descend in stability of
the group due to the presence of d and f electrons, which offer poor the lower ox
shielding, the outer s electrons are withdrawn into the atomic core state with
and begin to behave as inner electrons. increasing
 Hence, Pb and Sn often behave as if they only have two outer atomic no.
electrons and show valencies of +2 and +4.

In C and Si compounds, the +4 oxidation state is very stable relative to the +2 state. The +2
state is very rare (ie. Unstable) and easily oxidized to the +4. Eg.

CO (in +2 state) is a very strong reducing agent, being oxidized to the more stable CO2 (+4
oxidation state) e.g.

3 C O (g ) + F e 2 O 3 (s ) 2 F e (s ) + 3 C O 2 (g )

Silicon II oxide, SiO, is too unstable to exist at room temperature. At 20000C, it

disproportionates to Silicon IV oxide and Si.

GeO2 is more stable than GeO. As such, GeO is readily converted to GeO2 in a
disproportionation reaction.

2G eO (s) Ge O 2 (s) + G e (s)

Therefore, Germanium II and Tin II compounds are strong reducing agents. For example, a
solution containing tin (II) ions (for example, tin(II) chloride solution) will reduce a
solution of iodine to iodide ions. In the process, the tin (II) ions are oxidised to tin (IV) ions.
𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 4
With Lead, however, the +2 oxidation state is more stable than the +4. Lead IV compounds
therefore act as oxidizing agents.

Lead (IV) chloride, for example, decomposes at room temperature to give lead(II) chloride
and chlorine gas:

. . . and lead (IV) oxide decomposes on heating to give lead(II) oxide and oxygen.

Lead(IV) oxide also reacts with concentrated hydrochloric acid, oxidising some of the
chloride ions in the acid to chlorine gas. Once again, the lead is reduced from the +4 to the
more stable +2 state.

Differences between the chemistry of carbon and that of the other group members

Carbon behaves differently from the rest of the group members because of:

 Its small atomic size

 High electronegativity
 Non-availability of empty d-orbitals (and or d-orbital electrons)

Because of that carbon

Is limited to a co-ordination number of 4 while others can have 6.

Has 1 valence in most of its compounds, others have more than 1.
Does not show inert-pair effect unlike others.
Is more electronegative than the rest of the members.
Forms compounds which are relatively inert, unlike others.
Forms gaseous oxides unlike others.
Can form stable multiple bonds with itself and other non-metals
Can form long chains of its self or form rings (see organic chemistry)

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 5

 Can form no complex ions, unlike the latter elements (SiF62-, PbCl4-, SnCl62- e.t.c
exist)

CHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF THE ELEMENTS

The elements are relatively unreactive, but reactivity increases down the group due to
increase in electro positivity caused by increased atomic radius. Some of their reactions
are:

With water:

 Amorphous carbon (coke) reacts with steam when heated at blast furnace
temperatures to produce water gas (a mixture of carbon monoxide and hydrogen)

C (s) + H 2 O (g) CO (g) + H 2 (g)

 Silicon (red hot) reacts with boiling water to form SiO2 and hydrogen.
S i (s) + H 2 O (g ) S iO 2 (s) + H 2 (g )

 Ge is not affected by water in any form at any temperatures.

 When heated, Sn is slowly attacked by steam to form SnO2 and hydrogen.

Sn(s) + H2O (g) SnO2 (s) + 2H2 (g)

 Lead reacts with both steam and soft cold water.

 With steam, it forms Lead II oxide and hydrogen.

Pb(s) + H2O (g) PbO (s) + H2 (g)

 With soft water, it slowly reacts to form lead II hydroxide and hydrogen.

Pb(s) + 2H2O (g) Pb(OH)2 (s) + H2 (g)

With air:

All elements react on heating to give the oxides.

In limited oxygen, C forms CO, and forms CO2 in plenty.

2C(s) (red hot) + O2 (g) (limited) 2CO (g)

C (s) + O2 (g) CO2 (g)

Silicon and Tin form SiO2 and SnO2 respectively.

Si (s) + O2 (g) SiO2 (s)

Sn (s) + O2 (g) SnO2 (s)

Lead forms PbO because at high temperatures is very unstable and reverts to PbO.

2Pb (s) + O2 (g) 2PbO (s)

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 6

Reaction with dilute mineral acids

C, Si and Ge do not react with dilute mineral acids.

Sn slowly reacts with hot dilute HCl, the reaction being more rapid at higher acid
concentrations, forming tin II chloride and hydrogen. It reacts with hot dilute sulphuric
acid in the same sense.

Sn (s) + 2H+ (aq) Sn2+ (aq) + H2(g)

With dilute nitric acid, tin forms tin II nitrate, ammonium nitrate and water.

4Sn (s) + 10HNO3 (aq) 4Sn(NO3)2 (aq) + NH4NO3 (aq) + 3H2O (l)

Lead is rendered passive by dilute hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acids because of the
formation of insoluble PbCl2 and PbSO4

Reaction with conc. Acids

When heated with hot concentrated nitric acid, the elements (except Si) form dioxides
apart from Lead, for it forms the nitrate. Silicon dissolves incompletely in conc nitric acid
giving SiO2, NO, H2O.

C (s) + 4HNO3 (aq) CO2 (g) + 4NO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

Sn (s) + 4HNO3 (aq) SnO2 (s) + 4NO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

3Ge (s) + 4HNO3 (aq) 3GeO2 (s) + 4NO (g) + 2H2O (l)

PbO (s) + 4HNO3 (aq) Pb (NO3)2 (aq) + 2NO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

Cold, conc.

The elements react with hot concentrated sulphuric acid according to the equations below

C(s) + 2H2SO4 (aq) CO2 (aq) + 2SO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

Sn (s) + 4H2SO4 (aq) Sn (SO4)2 (aq) + 2SO2 (g) + 4H2O (l)

Pb (s) + 2H2SO4 (aq) PbSO4 (s) + SO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

Ge (s) + 2H2SO4 (aq) GeO2 (s) + 2SO2 (g) + 2H2O (l)

With Concentrated hydrochloric acid tin reacts vigorously to form tin II chloride and lead
reacts on boiling to form lead II chloride.

Sn (s) + 2HCl (aq) SnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

Pb (s) + 2HCl (aq) PbCl2 (aq) + H2 (g)

(PbCl2 is soluble in hot solutions)

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 7

 Silicon is not attacked by acids except concentrated hydrofluoric acid which reacts
with it to form hexafluorosilic acid and hydrogen gas.

Si (s) + 6HF (aq) H2SiF6 (aq) + H2 (g)

Reaction with alkalis

Carbon does not react with alkalis.

Silicon reacts readily with hot concentrated aqueous alkalis to form silicates and hydrogen.

Si (s) + 2 O H (aq) + H2O (l) SiO32- (aq) + 2H2 (g)

Germanium and tin react with hot alkalis to form a germanate IV and stannate IV salts
respectively, in addition to hydrogen gas, respectively.

Ge (s) + 2 O H (aq) + H2O (l) GeO32- (aq) + 2H2 (g)

Sn (s) + 2 O H (aq) + H2O (l) SnO32- (aq) + 2H2 (g)

or

Si (s) + 2 O H (aq) + 4H2O (l) [Si(OH)6] 2- (aq) + 2H2 (g)

Lead is attacked very slowly by hot concentrated alkalis to form hydrogen and the
corresponding plumbate II solution.

Pb (s) + 2 O H (aq) PbO22- (aq) + H2 (g)

Or

Pb (s) + 4 O H (aq) + 2H2O (l) [Pb(OH)6] 4- (aq) + H2 (g)

𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒙𝒕 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒔:

Qn.1: 2.8g of solder were boiled with dilute Nitric acid; the resultant solution was diluted
and made up to 250cm3. 20cm3 of this solution was titrated with 0.04M acidified potassium
dichromate, 20cm3 of the dichromate solution was required for complete reaction.
Calculate the percentage of tin in solder (76.5%)

b) Explain why potassium manganate(VII) can’t be used instead of potassium dichromate.

Qn.2: 0.2g of magnesium was heated with excess silicon; the product was reacted with
excess dilute Hydrochloric acid to evolve 93.3cm3 of a gaseous hydride. Determine the
mass of silicon that reacted with magnesium

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 8

 COMPOUNDS OF GROUP IV ELEMENTS

THE OXIDES

The elements form two types of oxides. The dioxides, in the +4 oxid-state, and the
monoxides, in the +2 oxid-state.

a) The dioxides, MO2

CO2, SiO2, GeO2 and SnO2 can be made by heating the elements in air (see rxns with air).

Lead (IV) oxide can be prepared by the action of an alkaline chlorate(I) solution on a
solution of a lead(II) salt say, Pb(NO3)2. The reaction can be considered in two stages:
i) Formation of a white precipitate.
ii) The white precipitate of lead hydroxide (or hydrated lead (II) oxide) is then
oxidized by the chlorate (I) to the brown dioxide:
P b 2 + (a q ) + 2O H P b (O H ) 2 (s) , w h ite p p t
th e n, Pb(O H ) 2 (s) + C lO - (a q ) Pb O 2 (s) + C l - (aq ) + H 2 O
b ro w n
Overall eqn:
Pb2+ (aq) + 2OH (aq) + ClO- (aq) PbO2(s) + Cl- (aq) + H2O (l)
Lead (IV) oxide also can be prepared by heating trilead tetra oxide (Pb3O4) with excess
dilute nitric acid. A dark brown precipitate (PbO2) is formed.

Procedure:

Lead(II) carbonate, nitrate oxalate or acetate is heated strongly until no further change.
Decomposition occurs leaving lead(II) oxide as a brown residue when hot yellow on
cooling. The lead(II) oxide is then heated in a stream of oxygen at 4000C in a crucible to
form trilead tetraoxide. To this is then added hot dilute nitric acid and the mixture filtered.

The residue is lead(IV) oxide which is then dried between filter papers:

𝑃𝑏𝐶𝑂3 (𝑠) 𝑃𝑏𝑂(𝑠) + 𝐶𝑂2 (g)

6𝑃𝑏𝑂(𝑠) + 𝑂2 (g) 2𝑃𝑏3 𝑂4 (𝑠)

Pb3O4 (s) + 4HNO3(aq) PbO2 (s) + 2Pb(NO3)2 (aq) + 2H2O (l)

The Lead (IV) oxide is then filtered off, washed well with hot distilled water and dried.
Pb3O4 is prepared by heating PbO strongly in air to 4500C
6PbO (s) + O2 (g) 2Pb3O4 (s)
Oxide properties

CO2 dissolves in water to form weak carbonic acid

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 9
 SiO2 is insoluble and does not react with water
Both CO2 and SiO2 are acidic in nature. They react with aqueous caustic alkalis to
form the corresponding carbonates and silicates respectively, in addition to water.

CO2 (g) + 2OH- (aq) CO32- (aq) + H2O (l)

SiO2 (g) + 2OH- (aq) SiO32- (aq) + H2 O (l)

The dioxides of Ge, Sn and Pb are amphoteric in nature.

They react with concentrated acids forming the corresponding salts and water.

GeO2 (s) + 4H+ (aq) Ge4+ (aq) + 2H2O (l)

SnO2 (s) + 4H+ (aq) Sn4+ (aq) + 2H2O (l)
PbO2 (s) + 4HCl (aq) PbCl4 (l) + 2H2O (l)
cold, conc.
PbO2 (s) + 4HCl (aq) PbCl2 (l) + 2H2O (l)
hot, conc.

Note:

If reacted with excess ice cold conc. Hydrochloric acid, PbO2 forms hexachloroplumbate(IV) ions:

PbO2(s) + 4H+(aq) + 6Cl-(aq) Pb𝐶𝑙62−(aq) + 2H2O(l)

The complex ion reacts with concentrated Ammonium chloride to form a yellow precipitate of
Ammonium hexachloroplumbate(IV)

Pb 𝐶𝑙62−(aq) + 𝑁𝐻4+ (aq) (𝑁𝐻4 )2 𝑃𝑏𝐶𝑙6 (s)

They also react with fused or aqueous caustic alkalis to form the corresponding
complex salts.

SnO2 (s) + 2OH- (aq) SnO32- (aq) + H2O (l)

PbO2 (s) + 2OH- (aq) PbO3 2- (aq) + H2 O (l)
or
PbO2 (s) + 2OH- (aq) + 2H2O (l) [Pb(OH)6]2- (aq)
SnO2 (s) + 2OH- (aq) + 2H2O (l) [Sn(OH)6]2- (aq)

Lead(IV) oxide reacts with sulphur dioxide to deposit a white solid of lead(II)
sulphate, the reaction can be considered in two stages:

First: oxidation of sulphur dioxide to trioxide, and reduction of lead(IV) to lead(II) oxide

PbO2(s) + SO2(g) PbO(s) + SO3(g)

Second: combination of PbO and SO3

PbO(s) + SO3(g) PbSO4(s)

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 10

Overall reaction:

PbO2(s) + SO2(g) PbSO4(s)

 Thus, acidic character of the oxides decreases down the group. MO2 becomes more
basic.

Question: Compare the acidity of SnO2 and PbO2

Answer: SnO2 is more acidic because of its greater tendency to react with alkalis to form
salts without change in oxidation state.

Structure of the dioxides

 CO2 adopts a simple molecular structure in which its

molecules are held together by weak van der waal’s
forces that are easily broken at room temperature.
Therefore, CO2 exists as a gas at room temperature.
 SiO2 adopts a giant molecular (or giant covalent)
structure similar to that of diamond. As such SiO2 is a
solid at room temperature with a high melting point.
 The dioxides of Ge, Sn and Pb assume structures that are intermediate between
giant molecular and ionic.

b) The monoxides, MO
CO can be prepared by
 Reduction of CO2 by coke
CO2(g) + C(s) 2CO
 Dehydration of methanoic acid by concentrated sulphuric acid.

𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑐.𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4
HCOOH CO + H2O
𝑤𝑎𝑟𝑚
The gas is passed through caustic soda solution to remove any sulphur dioxide or carbon
dioxide produced in side reactions. Carbon monoxide is also obtained when an ethane
dioate (oxalate) is heated with concentrated sulphuric acid:
C2O42- + H2SO4 CO + CO2 + H2O + SO42-
The carbon dioxide is removed by passage of the gas through a mixture of sodium and
calcium hydroxides.
Very pure carbon monoxide is produced by heating nickel tetra carbonyl
Ni(CO)4 Ni + 4CO
Because the +2 ox-state of C is unstable, CO RAPIDLY reacts with oxygen to form the more
stable CO2 in the +4 ox-state. Hence CO is a reducing agent.

**CO reacts with Sodium hydroxide above 4500C and 700kpa to form sodium methanoate

CO(g) + NaOH(aq) HCOONa (aq)

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 11

 SiO is an unstable oxide which only exists at very high temperatures. It is obtained
by heating SiO2 very strongly with Si. A brown powder SiO is formed.
SiO2 (s) + Si (s) 2SiO (s)

On cooling, SiO disproportionates to form SiO2 and Si.

CO, SiO and GeO have simple molecular structures and are predominantly neutral.
GeO is prepared by reducing Germanium (IV) oxide with Ge (as for SiO) but the GeO
is also unstable and tends to disproportionate.
GeO can also be prepared by hydrolysis of Germanium (II) chloride.
GeCl2 (s) + H2O (l) GeO (s) + 2HCl (g)
yellow solid
SnO is made by heating Tin II oxalate. PbO is prepared by action of heat on the
hydroxide or nitrate.

SnC2O4 (s) SnO (s) + CO (g) + CO2 (g)

Pb(OH)2 (s) PbO (s) + H2O (l)
2Pb(NO3)2 (s) 2PbO (s) + 4NO2 (g) + O2(g)
**Tin(II) oxalate is used since both the oxalate (𝐶2 𝑂42−) and CO gas are reducing agents which
prevent oxidation of SnO to more stable SnO2.**

GeO, SnO and PbO are predominantly ionic and are amphoteric in nature.
MO (s) + 2H+ (aq) M2+ (aq) + H2O(l)
MO (s) + OH- (aq) + H2O (l) [M(OH)3]- (aq)
Where M stands for Ge, Sn or Pb.

THE HALIDES

These are of two types: (a) MX4 (b) MX2

a) THE TETRAHALIDES, MX4

All elements form tetra halides. These are all covalent volatile liquids. However, PbI4 and
PbBr4 do not exist.

Preparation

The Tetrachlorides of Si, Ge, Sn can be made by direct synthesis i.e. by passing dry chlorine
over the heated element.

M (s) + 2Cl2 (g) MCl4 (l)

o CCl4 is prepared by action of chlorine on Carbon disulphide:

CS2 (s) + 3Cl2 (g) CCl4 (l) + S2Cl2 (s)

QN. Why don’t we prepare Carbon tetrachloride by direct synthesis?

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 12
o PbCl4 is prepared by action of conc. HCl on Lead IV oxide.

PbO2 (s) + 4HCl (aq) PbCl4 (l) + 2H2O (l)

cold, conc. yellow liquid

o It can also be prepared from Ammonium hexachloroplumbate (IV) on reaction with

conc. Sulphuric acid.

(𝑁𝐻4 )2 𝑃𝑏𝐶𝑙6 (s) + 𝐻2 𝑆𝑂4 (aq) 𝑃𝑏𝐶𝑙4(l) + (𝑁𝐻4 )2 𝑆𝑂4(aq) + 2𝐻𝐶𝑙(g)

All tetrahalides form tetrahedral, simple molecular structures with bond angles of 109.50.
therefore the tetrahalides have low melting points and boiling points and are all volatile
liquids at room temperature.

Thermo stability

As the atomic size of the elements increases down the group, the M-Cl bond becomes
longer and therefore weaker, down the group, the MCl4 become less stable. Eg. PbCl4
decomposes at room temp. to form PbCl2 and chlorine gas, SnCl4 decomposes on heating to
SnCl2 and chlorine. There is also a ↓se in stability of +4-ox state down the group.

Hydrolysis of the tetra chlorides

 ALL the tetra chlorides except CCl4 fume in most air, because they are easily
hydrolyzed by water to form MO2 and HCl gas.
 All but carbon are able to use vacant d orbitals to allow the water ligands to donate
their lone pairs required for hydrolysis to take place.

The ease of hydrolysis is in the order

SiCl4 > GeCl4 > SnCl4 > PbCl4, as metallic character decreases down the group.
SiCl4 (l) + 2H2O (l) SiO2 (s) + 4HCl (g)
GeCl4 (l) + 2H2O (l) GeO2 (s) + 4HCl (g)
SnCl4 (l) + 2H2O (l) SnO2 (s) + 4HCl (g)
PbCl4 (l) + 2H2O (l) PbO2 (s) + 4HCl (g)
brown solid

Why is CCl4 not hydrolysed, yet SiCl4 is?

CCl4 is immiscible with water and does not react with it. The C-Cl bond is so strong
(average bond enthalpy = +338 KJmol-1). However, the hydrolysis reaction

CCl4 (l) + 2H2O(l) CO2 (g) + 4HCl(g)

is favoured thermodynamically and will occur, given sufficient time (many years). This
reaction proceeds at an extraordinarily slow rate.

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 13

The Si-Cl bond in SiCl4 is far more polar than the C-Cl bond in CCl4, it is longer and weaker.
As a result, SiCl4 gives off fumes in moist air and easily hydrolyses. The products are
hydrogen chloride and a white precipitate of SiO2.
Cl Cl
Cl
Cl Cl
H 2O Cl
Si Cl -Cl
Si Si Cl
Cl Cl
Cl -H+ Si
Cl Cl OH
OH2
Cl OH
Cl
H
Because Si has empty 3d orbitals close in energy to the occupied 3p orbitals, the incoming
water molecule can form a bond with the Si before the existing bonds are broken. Such a
mechanism is not possible for C because the 3d orbitals are too far away in energy from its
2p orbitals.

Therefore,
Explanation 1:
There are no d-orbitals in the second shell of the C atom. As a result, when a water
molecule attacks a CCl4 molecule, the carbon atom does not have an empty orbital to
accept/coordinate the incoming electron pair.
The problem with this explanation is that it suggests that the hydrolysis of haloalkanes by a
similar mechanism should also be impossible.
Explanation 2:
The difference in behavior of CCl4 and SiCl4 with water is a result of the much smaller size
of a carbon atom compared to a silicon atom. As a result, it is impossible for water
molecules to attack a carbon atom when it is surrounded by four relatively large chlorine
atoms in CCl4 and is strongly bonded to them.

b) THE DIHALIDES

Are solids, only formed by Ge, Sn and Pb.

Their stability and ionic character increase down the group. PCl2 is the most stable
dichloride.

Di halides of Sn and Ge are strong reducing agents.

PbCl2 is prepared by heating Pb in a stream of chlorine gas, and by precipitation of the

white solid from Lead II nitrate by adding a solution of chloride ions.

Anhydrous SnCl2 is best prepared by heating a tin in a stream of hydrogen chloride or

action of acid on metal.

Sn (s) + 2HCl (g) SnCl2 (s) + H2 (g)

Sn (s) + 2HCl (aq) SnCl2 (aq) + H2 (g), acid must be hot, conc.

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 14

Pb (s) + Cl2 (g) PbCl2 (s)

Or Pb2+ (aq) + 2Cl - (aq) PbCl2 (s)

Hydrolysis

GeCl2 is readily hydrolyzed to give GeO and HCl. SnCl2 hydrolyses readily but doesn’t
dissolve satisfactorily in water, it precipitates a basic chloride.
GeCl2 (s) + H2O (l) GeO (s) + 2HCl (aq)
SnCl2 (s) + H2O (l) Sn(OH)Cl (s) + HCl (aq)

Though ionic, PbCl2 has a very low solubility product in water. As a result, it is sparingly
soluble in cold water. It dissolves in hot water, for its solubility increases with temperature.

It dissolves in concentrated hydrochloric acid because of formation of a soluble complex.

2C l - (aq)
P b 2+ (a q) + 2C l - (aq) P bC l 2 (s) PbC l 4 2- (a q)
w hite ppt te tra chloroplum bate (II) ion

THE HYDRIDES

All elements in group IV form covalent hydrides of the type MH4.

The tetra hydrides are covalent, have simple molecular structures and are tetrahedral in
shape.

The tetrahydrides become less stable down the group. This is because the M-H bonds
become longer and weaker with increasing size of the element. There is also a decrease in
stability of the +4 oxidation state down the group. Hence, stability is in the order CH4 >
SiH4 > GeH4 > SnH4 > PbH4.

Carbon, however, has a wide range of chain and ring compounds this is attributed to the
small atomic size of carbon, so it can form stable long chain hydrides. The hydrides of
carbon are called hydrocarbons and these include: the alkanes, alkenes, arenes, and
alkynes. (See organic. chem.).

Silicon forms a series of hydrides called Silanes, similar to alkanes with general formula
SinH2n + 2 , but the chain length is limited to eight Si atoms only because Si-Si bonds are
longer and weaker due to the big atomic radius of Si. Because of this, silanes are far more
reactive than alkanes and are strong reducing agents. They easily ignite in air and explode
in chlorine.

Silicon doesn’t form ring compounds and has no analogues of alkenes, or alkynes because
sp2 and sp hybridization in silicon are not energetically favoured.

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 15

Similar germanium compounds called Germanes with general formula GenH2n + 2 exist,
limited to 5 Ge atoms. They are unstable straight-chain colourless gases and volatile
liquids.

Sn and Pb do not catenate.

 Tetra hydrides of Si, Ge, Sn and Pb are prepared by reduction of the respective tetra
chlorides with LiAlH4 at 0OC in the presence of ether.
dry ether
MCl4 + LiAlH4 (s) MH4 + LiCl (s) + AlCl3 (s)
00C

Where M = Si, Sn, Ge and Pb.

Hydrolysis

CH4, just like CCl4, does not undergo hydrolysis due to lack of empty d-orbitals of right
energy.

SiH4, SnH4 and PbH4 hydrolyze in presence of alkalis to form corresponding salts and H2.

Read about:

Practical analysis of Pb2+ and Sn2+, Sn4+ salts in soln; and quantitative determinations.

Test for Pb2+:To the test solution, add potassium chromate (VI) solution followed by dilute
sodium hydroxide solution:

Observation: A yellow precipitate soluble in the alkali to form a yellow solution:

*The above test is also used to distinguish between Pb2+ ions from Ba2+ ions, since barium
chromate is insoluble in the alkali.*

𝐈𝐍 − 𝐓𝐄𝐗𝐓 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐒𝐓𝐈𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒

1) Diamond and graphite both are allotropic forms of carbon; however, only graphite is
used as a lubricant. Why?
2) What are the properties responsible for the anomalous behavior of carbon?
3) Why is tin and lead incapable of showing the property of catenation?
4) Why is trisilylamine a very weak Lewis base and trimethylamine a good Lewis base?
5) Give reactions to show that CO2 is an acidic oxide and SnO2 is an amphoteric oxide.
6) Explain the following briefly:
i. SiO2 is as hard as diamond.
ii. CC14 is not hydrolyzed while SiCl4 or SnCl4 get hydrolyzed easily.
iii. PbBr4 and PbI4 do not exist.
iv. SiO2 is a solid whereas CO2 is a gas.
7. Carbon, silicon, tin and lead are elements in Group IV of the PT.
a) i) Write the formulae of the oxides of the elements in the +4 ox-state.
ii) State the trend in the acid nature of the oxides.

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 16

 b) Discuss the reaction of the oxides in (a)above with
i) Sodium hydroxide
ii) Mineral acids.
c) Write an equation for the reaction to show how Lead IV oxide can be prepared from
i) Lead II nitrate solution
ii) Tri lead tetra oxide.
d) Sulphur dioxide gas was passed over heated Lead IV oxide
i) State what was observed.
ii) Explain your observation.
8. Carbon, silicon, tin and lead are elements in Group IV of the periodic table.
a) i) State two important oxidation states exhibited by C, Si, Sn, and Pb.
ii) Describe how the stability of the two oxidation states varies down from
carbon to lead. Use the oxides to illustrate your answer.
b) Describe what would be observed and write equations for the reactions when the
tetra chlorides of C, Si, Sn and Pb are reacted with water.
c) i) Write an equation to show how lead II chloride can be prepared.
ii) State the type of bond which exists in the chlorides of lead.
iii) State two physical properties which show that lead II chloride exhibits the
type of bond you have stated in c)(ii) above.
d) State what would be observed and write equation for the reaction when
i) Lead II acetate is added to potassium iodide solution.
ii) Iron III chloride solution is added to lead acetate solution and the mixture
boiled.
9. Explain the following:
i) Lead(IV) chloride exist but lead (IV) iodide does not exist
ii) When potassium dichromate(VI) and Potassium chromate (VI) are separately
added to an aqueous solution containing lead(II) ions, a yellow precipitate is
observed in both cases.
10. Compare and contrast the chemistry of silicon, germanium, tin and lead by referring
to the properties and bond types of their oxides and chlorides.
b) Give brief experimental details to indicate how you could prepare in the laboratory a
sample of either tin(IV) chloride or tin(IV) iodide.
c) How far does the chemistry of the oxides and chlorides of carbon support the
statement that 'the head element of a group in the Periodic Table is not typical of that
group'? (
11. What physical and chemical tests could you apply to the oxides and chlorides of
Group IV elements to show the changes in their properties as the atomic number of
the element increases? At the bottom of Group IV tin and lead exhibit two oxidation
states. Why are these elements not classified as "transition' metals?
12. State two physical and two chemical properties which clearly illustrate the
differences between a typical metal and a typical non-metal.
(b) For any given group in the Periodic Table, the metallic character of the element
increases with the increase in atomic weight of the element.'
𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 17
 Discuss this statement as it applies to the Group IV elements, C, Si, Ge, Sn, Pb, indicating
any properties of carbon which appear anomalous. Illustrate your answer by
considering:
(i) The physical properties of the elements,
(ii) The reaction of the oxides with sodium hydroxide,
(iii)The reaction of the chlorides with water,
(iv)The stability of the hydrides to heat,
(v) The changes in the stability of oxidation state (IV) with increase in atomic weight of
the element
13. The chemical properties of the elements in a given group of the Periodic Table
change with increasing atomic number.
(a) Explain the main factors responsible for this, illustrating your answer by reference
to the Group IVB elements, carbon to lead.
(b) Apply the factors outlined under (a) to predict the main chemical properties and
bonding relationships of the last three members of Group V of the Periodic Table
containing the elements nitrogen, phosphorus, arsenic, antimony and bismuth.
14. Give an account of the chemical properties of the element tin and describe four of its
principal compounds. The element germanium (Mendeleef s ekasilicon) lies in
Group IV of the Periodic Table below carbon and silicon and above tin and lead.
What properties would you predict for this element, for its oxide GeO2 and for its
chloride GeCl4?
15. By reference to the elements carbon, silicon, tin and lead, show how the properties
of an element and those of its compounds can be related to:
(a) The group in the Periodic Table in which the element occurs,
(b) Its position in that group.

𝒊𝒌𝒔𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒉𝒂@𝒈𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒍. 𝒄𝒐𝒎 Page 18