2006-11-11 01:45:54 · 4 answers · asked by stratoframe 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
No we do not have any living examples. Why? The answer lies in the ability to catenate.
Silicon does not share the property of being able to catenate (ability to bond to itself) like Carbon. The Si-Si bond is weaker compared to the C-C bond. So you find less Si is a less versatile atom.
Also Si does not form pi-bonds as easily as carbon does. Si has a negligible pi-bond overlap compared to C, most probably Si has a larger atomic radius than C, so the pi-bond overlap is less strongly held to the nucleus and hence is a weak bond.
2006-11-11 02:38:33 · answer #1 · answered by polarIS 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unlike carbon, silicon does not readily form stable rings.
Unlike carbon, silicon adorned only with hydrogen atoms will spontaneously burst into flames if exposed to oxygen.
Unlike carbon, silicon does not readily form double or triple bonds
Unlike carbon, silicon does not readily form long, stable chains
2006-11-11 02:56:12 · answer #2 · answered by veerabhadrasarma m 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Only the Horta.
2006-11-11 03:21:53 · answer #3 · answered by groundzero 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not yet.
2006-11-11 01:54:03 · answer #4 · answered by hrwwtp 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋