Question

Which of the following statement is false? (1) \(\mathrm{GeO}_{2}\) is amphoteric. (2) CO is neutral to litmus. (3) \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) is solid at room temperature. (4) SiO does not exist because silicon cannot form \(\mathrm{p} \pi-\mathrm{p} \pi\) bonds with oxygen.

Short answer

Statement 4 is false because SiO does exist.

Step-by-step solution

- Analyze statement 1

Evaluate if \(\mathrm{GeO}_{2}\) is amphoteric. Amphoteric oxides can behave as both acids and bases. \(\mathrm{GeO}_{2}\) is amphoteric since it can react with both acids and bases.

- Analyze statement 2

Evaluate if CO is neutral to litmus. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a neutral gas and does not change the color of litmus paper, indicating it is neither acidic nor basic.

- Analyze statement 3

Evaluate if \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) is solid at room temperature. Silicon dioxide (\(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\)) is commonly known as quartz and is solid at room temperature.

- Analyze statement 4

Evaluate the existence of SiO. Silicon monoxide (SiO) does exist, and it is formed by silicon atoms that are bonded to oxygen.

- Conclusion

Based on the analysis, determine which statement is false. Statement 4 is false because SiO does exist.

Key concepts

Amphoteric Oxides

Amphoteric oxides are fascinating compounds because they can react both with acids and bases. This dual nature is what makes them unique. For example, \(\mathrm{GeO}_{2}\) is an amphoteric oxide. It reacts with hydrochloric acid (\(\mathrm{HCl}\)) to form germanium tetrachloride (\(\mathrm{GeCl}_{4}\)), and with sodium hydroxide (\(\mathrm{NaOH}\)) to form sodium germanate (\(\mathrm{Na}_{2}\mathrm{GeO}_{3}\)).
Some key points about amphoteric oxides:

• They give different products depending on whether they interact with acids or bases.
• Examples include aluminum oxide (\(\mathrm{Al}_{2}\mathrm{O}_{3}\)), which reacts both with \(\mathrm{HCl}\) and \(\mathrm{NaOH}\).
• Amphoteric oxides are important in various industrial processes due to their versatile reactivity.

Neutral Gases

Neutral gases, such as carbon monoxide (\(\mathrm{CO}\)), do not change the color of litmus paper, indicating that they are neither acidic nor basic. This neutrality is crucial in several applications.
Consider the properties of neutral gases:

• \(\mathrm{CO}\) is a colorless, odorless gas that does not affect litmus paper.
• It’s formed from the incomplete combustion of carbon-containing compounds.
• Neutral gases are often used in chemical reactions where a non-reactive atmosphere is needed.

It’s important to handle neutral gases like \(\mathrm{CO}\) with care, as \(\mathrm{CO}\) is highly toxic and can bind with hemoglobin in blood, preventing oxygen transport.

Silicon Dioxide Properties

Silicon dioxide (\(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\)) is a very common and significant compound. Known as quartz in its most stable form, it is solid at room temperature.
Here are some interesting aspects of \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\):

• It's widely used in manufacturing glass and ceramics.
• \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) has a high melting point and exceptional hardness, making it ideal for various industrial applications.
• It also has a crystalline structure, contributing to its stability and durability.

Additionally, \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}\) is found in many organisms, contributing to structural integrity and protection.

Silicon Monoxide Existence

Silicon monoxide (\(\mathrm{SiO}\)) does, in fact, exist. It is an important chemical compound with specific properties and uses. Here’s why:

• \(\mathrm{SiO}\) is formed from the reaction of silicon and oxygen at high temperatures.
• It primarily exists in the gas phase, but it can condense to form a solid at lower temperatures.
• This compound is used in thin-film coatings, often in optical and electronic applications, due to its semi-conducting properties.

The existence of \(\mathrm{SiO}\) emphasizes the versatile chemistry of silicon, especially in high-temperature processes.