What Is the Difference Between CCl4 and SiCl4?

The difference between CCl4 and SiCl4 lies in their resistance to hydrolysis. CCl4, also known as carbon tetrachloride, is resistant to hydrolysis but SiCl4, also known as silicon tetrachloride, is readily hydrolyzed. This means that when CCl4 is exposed to water, it does not decompose. However, when SiCl4 is exposed to water, it does decompose into hydrochloric acid and silicic acid.

What Is Hydrolysis?

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction in which a molecule is broken down by being exposed to water. It is a type of chemical decomposition in which water breaks down a chemical compound. When a molecule is hydrolyzed, it releases two new molecules, one of which is always a base molecule, such as water or an acid. The other molecule is usually an organic compound.

Why Is CCl4 Resistant to Hydrolysis?

CCl4 is resistant to hydrolysis because of its chemical structure. It consists of a ring of four carbon atoms surrounded by four chlorine atoms. The chlorine atoms form strong bonds with the carbon atoms, making it difficult for water molecules to break the bonds. This makes CCl4 resistant to hydrolysis.

Why Is SiCl4 Readily Hydrolyzed?

SiCl4 is readily hydrolyzed because of its chemical structure. It consists of a ring of four silicon atoms surrounded by four chlorine atoms. The bonds between the silicon atoms and the chlorine atoms are weaker than the bonds in CCl4. This makes it easier for water molecules to break the bonds and hydrolyze the compound.

Conclusion

The difference between CCl4 and SiCl4 lies in their resistance to hydrolysis. CCl4 is resistant to hydrolysis, while SiCl4 is readily hydrolyzed. This is due to the different chemical structures of the two compounds. CCl4 has strong bonds between its carbon atoms and chlorine atoms, while SiCl4 has weaker bonds between its silicon atoms and chlorine atoms, which makes it easier for water molecules to break the bonds and hydrolyze the compound.