Question

Methane is quite stable whereas silane is unstable ? Because -

• A. C ¾ C bond energy is large greater than Si ¾ Si bond energy
• B. Si ¾ H bond energy is much lower than C ¾ H bond energy
• C. Si has vacant p orbitals which are more susceptible for nucleophilic attack
• D. All of above reasons

Answer 1

Answer: (B)

Si ¾ H bond energy is much lower than C ¾ H bond energy

Answer 2

Si ¾ H bond energy is 393 kJ/mol

Whereas C ¾ H bond energy is 435 kJ/mol

D_{C ¾ C} 340 kJ/mol & D_{Si ¾ Si} = 368 kJ/mol

C ¾ C and Si ¾ Si bond energies are comparable