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Carbon and germanium belong to the 14 th group. The maximum coordination number of carbon is less than germanium, because of
Chemistryp Block Elements (Group 13 & 14)AP EAMCETAP EAMCET 2021 (23 Aug Shift 1)
Options:
  • A larger size of germanium
  • B electronegativity difference
  • C availability of low-lying $d$-orbitals in germanium
  • D electrical conductivity
Solution:
1680 Upvotes Verified Answer
The correct answer is: availability of low-lying $d$-orbitals in germanium
Coordination number of an element depends on the availability of valence shells. Since, carbon is placed in 2nd period and electronic configuration of $\mathrm{C}_6$ is $1 s^2 2 s^2 2 p^2$. It do not have vacant $d$-orbital. Therefore, it has covalency of 4 . While germanium is placed in 3rd period in the periodic table.
Electronic configuration of $\mathrm{Ge}_{32}$ is $[\mathrm{Ar}] 3 d^{10} 4 s^2 4 p^2$. It has vacant $d$-orbital.
$\therefore$ Germanium can extend its coordination number.

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