Question

Carbon forms the CO₃²⁻ ion, yet silicon does not form an analogous SiO₃²⁻ ion. Why?

a. Silicon has a different valence electron configuration than carbon.
b. Silicon has a larger atomic size than carbon.
c. Silicon forms only covalent compounds.
d. Silicon has a higher electronegativity than carbon.

Answer 1

Silicon does not form an analogous SiO₃²⁻ ion while carbon forms the CO₃²⁻ ion due to differences in their valence electron configuration and bonding capabilities.

Step-by-step explanation:

The reason why silicon does not form an analogous SiO₃²⁻ ion, while carbon forms the CO₃²⁻ ion, is due to the differences in their valence electron configuration and bonding capabilities.

Silicon has an electron configuration of 3s²3p², which allows it to form tetrahedral structures. However, it does not possess empty d orbitals like carbon does, which limits its ability to form bonds with oxygen and create an SiO₃²⁻ ion.

On the other hand, carbon has a different valence electron configuration that allows it to form stable bonds to itself and participate in the formation of CO₃²⁻ ions. Additionally, carbon's empty valence shell orbitals enable tetrahedral carbon compounds to act as Lewis acids.