Why does silicon show a higher covalency than carbon??

1.	Why does silicon show a higher covalency than carbon??
Answer» Carbon cannot have a valency beyond fourC6 = 1s22s22p2While silicon can extended covalency from 4 to 6Si14 = 1s22s22p63s23p2This is because of the absence of d-orbitals in the valence shell of carbon and presence of 3d-orbtials in the valence shell of silicon. Since silicon has vacant 3d- orbitals, it can accept electrons from electron donating species such as F- ion to form complex ion.<br>Hope this answer will help u<br>Catenation is the linkage of atoms of the same element into longer chains. Catenation occurs most readily in carbon, which forms covalent bonds with other carbon atoms to form longer chains and structures.

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