Question

Catenation is the ability of an atom to form bonds with other atoms of the same element. It is exhibited by both carbon and silicon. Compare the ability of catenation of the two elements. Give reasons. 

Answer 1

Catenation is shown by carbon as well as silicon but silicon does not exhibit the property of catenation to the extent seen in carbon compounds. Carbon shows catenation to large extent (forms chains containing 20 or more carbon atoms, and the C-C bond is very strong and hence stable) whereas silicon shows catenation to small extent only (forms chains containing up to 7 or 8 silicon atoms, with weak Si-Si bond and hence, these compounds are very reactive). Silicon does not combine with so many elements to form thousands of covalent compounds just like carbon does.