Question

Give chemical reaction in support of the following:

Sulphur exhibits greater tendency for catenation than selenium.

Answer 1

1. Sulphur shows greater catenation tendency due to the formation of strong \[\ce{S - S}\] bonds compared to \[\ce{Se - Se}\] bonds.
2. Example reaction for sulphur catenation: Formation of polysulphides, \[\ce{S_{(s)} + 2Na -> Na2S4}\].
3. Selenium forms fewer chain compounds because \[\ce{Se - Se}\] bonds are weaker and less stable.
4. Thus, sulphur forms stable rings and chains, demonstrating greater catenation than selenium.

This supports that sulphur has a greater tendency for catenation than selenium due to stronger \[\ce{S - S}\] bonding and more stable chain/ring structures.