Question

Hydrolysis of which of the following does not occur?
A. $VC{{l}_{4}}$
B. $TiC{{l}_{4}}$
C. $SiC{{l}_{4}}$
D. $CC{{l}_{4}}$

Answer 1

Hint: Hydrolysis is a process where water attacks a compound. Thus a compound which has an empty d orbital undergoes hydrolysis by the attack of water in the empty d orbital.

Complete Step by Step Answer:
Hydrolysis is a reaction where the water attacks a compound and dissolves the compound in it completely.

Carbon is a group 14 element. It has small size and its valence shell contains only s and p orbital. Thus carbon does not contain any d orbital and that’s why carbon tetrachloride cannot undergo hydrolysis.
Vanadium and titanium are transition metal elements. These elements contain empty d orbital. Thus the water molecule can easily attack in its empty d orbital and that’s why vanadium tetrachloride and titanium tetrachloride undergo hydrolysis.

Silicon is a group 14 element. It has a larger size than carbon and its valence shell contains s, d and p orbital. Thus silicon contains vacant d orbital and that’s why silicon tetrachloride can undergo hydrolysis by the attack of water in the vacant d orbital of silicon. Hydrolysis of $CC{{l}_{4}}$ does not occur.
Thus the correct option is D.

Note: Carbon tetrachloride is a non polar compound. It is not dissolved in water due to absence of vacant d orbital and does not undergo hydrolysis. It is generally used as a non polar solvent.