Hydrolysis of SiCl₄ produces acid and insoluble silica

Steps:

• SiCl₄ reacts with cold water via hydrolysis: SiCl₄ + 4H₂O → Si(OH)₄ + 4HCl.
• HCl dissociates in water, releasing H⁺ ions to form an acidic solution.
• Si(OH)₄ (silicic acid) is insoluble in cold water and forms a gelatinous precipitate.
• The mixture is thus acidic with a white precipitate of silica gel.

Why B is correct:

• The reaction yields HCl (acidic) and insoluble Si(OH)₄ (precipitate), per the hydrolysis equation.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Precipitate of Si(OH)₄ forms, contrary to "no precipitate."
• C: Solution is acidic from HCl, not neutral.
• D: Solution is acidic from HCl, not neutral.

Final answer: B