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 unreactive.

Answer 1

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

The compounds formed by carbon atom with others are highly stable as the bonds formed by carbon atom are strong. This is due to the small size of the carbon atom which allows the nucleus of carbon to hold the shared pair of electrons more firmly. Silicon atom is large and can’t form strong bonds like carbon, therefore, it can't form long chain compounds like the carbon atom.