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

The tendency to show catenation is very small in case of Si as compared to C although both the elements belong to the same group (14). This is because of greater atomic size of Si atom (118 pm)than that of carbon (77 pm). As a result, the strength of Si-Si bond is less as compared tothat of C-C bond. this means that lesser numberof Si atoms can be linked to each other by covalent bonds as compared to carbon atoms.