Silicon Halides Have Stronger Bonds Than Corresponding Carbon Halides

question 36

Multiple Choice

Silicon halides have stronger bonds than corresponding carbon halides. Which of the following is a possible explanation of this phenomenon?

• A)The larger silicon atoms permit better overlap of its atomic orbitals with those of the halogens than the smaller carbons atoms do.
• B)The large electronegativity difference between silicon and the halogens makes their bonds stronger than those of carbon.
• C)Silicon has the ability to form a partial double bond with a halogen through the overlap of its d-orbital with a p-orbital of the halogen.
• D)Silicon has a larger effective nuclear charge than carbon which allows it to bond more strongly to the more negative halogens than carbon.
• E)Carbon-halogen bonds are unusually weak.

---

Definitions:

Turner Syndrome

A genetic disorder affecting females, characterized by the absence of all or part of one X chromosome.

Androgen Insensitivity

A genetic condition where a person who is genetically male (XY chromosome) is resistant to male hormones (androgens), leading to the development of female physical traits.

Culture-and-Personality Theorists

Psychologists and anthropologists who study how culture influences personality development, often examining cross-cultural differences and similarities.

1930s and '40s

A reference to the decades of the 20th century characterized by significant global events including the Great Depression and World War II.