General Characteristics and Trends
Start with the big picture
Group 14 comprises carbon, silicon, germanium, tin, lead, and flerovium. Atomic and ionic radii increase down the group, while electronegativity and ionization energy decrease; metallic character also becomes more pronounced. The balance between the +4 and +2 oxidation states shifts toward greater +2 stability in heavier elements through the inert-pair effect. Carbon’s strong catenation and effective multiple π-bonding contrast with the weaker bonding patterns of heavier members. The group also shows varied allotropy and physical properties, alongside trends in hydride stability, oxide character, and halide formation. Silicon and germanium are semiconductors, while tin and lead have notable organometallic chemistry. These comparisons provide a framework for understanding the group’s structure and reactivity.
What you'll learn
- Describe how atomic radii, electronegativity, and ionization energy change down Group 14.
- Explain the progression in metallic character and the increasing stability of the +2 oxidation state.
- Compare catenation and multiple π-bonding across the group.
- Identify trends in allotropy, hydrides, oxides, and halides.
- Recognize the significance of semiconducting and organometallic behavior in selected members.
Continue your study
Work through the complete notes and reinforce the topic with the study tools available in the full lesson.