JEE Main levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 2 of 3pb013
The tendency of catenation decreases in the order C≫Si>Ge≈Sn>Pb in group 14. The main reason is
Athe E−H bond enthalpy is the same for all members
Bthe number of valence electrons decreases down the group
Cthe E−E bond enthalpy decreases down the group
Dthe electronegativity increases down the group
Answer: C
Catenation depends on the strength of the E−E bond. As the atoms get larger the overlap of the bonding orbitals becomes poorer and the bond enthalpy falls from C to Pb, so long chains become unstable.