CHEMISTRY · Single correct · A Level · Chemistry · Bonding · Bonding
Problem
Silicon tetrachloride, SiCl₄, is a liquid at room temperature and does not conduct electricity in either the solid or liquid state. Which of the following best accounts for these observations?
(a) The Si–Cl bonds are non-polar covalent, so no charged particles are present to carry current.
(b) The Si–Cl bonds are polar covalent, and the compound consists of discrete molecules lacking mobile charge carriers.
(c) The Si–Cl bonds are ionic, but the ions are held rigidly in the solid and are too large to move in the liquid.
(d) Silicon tetrachloride forms a three-dimensional covalent network that confines all electrons within strong bonds, preventing conductivity.