Silicon tetrachloride has Lewis acidic characteristics, whereas carbon tetrachloride does not. What orbital is used by SiCl₄ in forming adducts that gives SiCl₄ this property?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Silicon tetrachloride can use its empty d orbitals to accept electron pairs, making it a Lewis acid. This property is attributed to the sp^3d hybridization, which allows for the formation of adducts with Lewis bases.

Silicon Tetrachloride Has Lewis Acidic Characteristics, Whereas Carbon Tetrachloride Does