Question:

Identify the species, which does not exist

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Small central atoms like silicon can form stable hexacoordinate complexes with small ligands such as \(F^-\), but not with larger ligands such as \(Cl^-\).
Updated On: Jun 22, 2026
  • \([SiF_6]^{2-}\)
  • \([SiCl_6]^{2-}\)
  • \([GeCl_6]^{2-}\)
  • \([Sn(OH)_6]^{2-}\)
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The Correct Option is B

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understand the stability of hexacoordinate silicon complexes.
Silicon can form hexacoordinate complexes with small and highly electronegative ligands like fluoride.
Therefore, \[ [SiF_6]^{2-} \] exists as hexafluorosilicate ion.

Step 2: Analyze \([SiCl_6]^{2-}\).
Chloride ion is much larger than fluoride ion.
Due to the large size of \(Cl^-\), six chloride ions cannot be accommodated comfortably around small silicon atom.
Thus, \[ [SiCl_6]^{2-} \] does not exist.

Step 3: Analyze the remaining species.
Germanium is larger than silicon, so it can form \[ [GeCl_6]^{2-} \] Tin is still larger and forms stable hydroxo complexes such as \[ [Sn(OH)_6]^{2-} \] Hence, these species can exist.

Step 4: Final conclusion.
Therefore, the species which does not exist is \[ \boxed{[SiCl_6]^{2-}} \]
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