Question

Silicon is also tetravalent. But why can’t it form long chain compounds like carbon?

• A. Silicon does not form polymers because of its semiconductor nature
• B. Carbon is small in size, so holds the shared electron pair strongly.
• C. Silicon compounds are highly reactive
• D. Carbon compounds are moderately reactive.

Answer 1

The correct option is B Carbon is small in size, so holds the shared electron pair strongly.

The compounds formed by carbon atoms with others are highly stable as the bonds formed by carbon atoms are strong. This is due to the small size of the carbon atom. This allows the nucleus of carbon to hold the shared pair of electrons more firmly.

The silicon atom is larger than the carbon atom, its covalent radius is 111 pm carbon is 77 pm which makes it more difficult for silicon to form a tetrahedral arrangement with other atoms. The Si-Si bond is also longer and weaker than the C-C bond.

As Silicon atom is large and hence can’t form long-chain compounds like a carbon atom.