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.

Question

Philoid · Accepted Answer

Carbon forms very strong bonds with other elements and makes the carbon compound very stable whereas silicon forms compound with hydrogen which have chains of upto seven or eight atoms, but these compounds are very reactive because of weak bonds.