Chemical Reactivity Group IV Elements Reaction with Halogens and the Inert Pair Effect

Group 4 elements, including carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, and lead, have a decrease in chemical reactivity as they react with halogens to form tetrahalides. Carbon forms stable tetrahalides like carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), while silicon and germanium form tetrahalides through covalent bonding. Tin and lead can form SnCl₄ and PbCl₄, but their reactivity is influenced by the inert pair effect, leading to divalent halides. Tetrahalides of heavier elements are less thermally stable than those of carbon and silicon. CCl₄ is noted for its high thermal stability due to the strength of C-Cl bonds and the absence of hydrogen, making it non-flammable and resistant to high temperatures.