$\begin{array}{1 1}\text{All the elements of Group 14 form covalent hydrides}\\\text{Carbon forms a very large number of compounds with hydrogen}\\\text{Silicon like carbon forms a large number of compounds with hydrogen.These are collectively known as silanes}\\\text{The general formula of silanes is }Si_nH_{2n+2}\text{ and these are strong reducing agents}\end{array} $
