- #1
Loren Booda
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What is the relationship, if any other than homophony, between silicon and silicone?
What Links Silicon and Silicone Beyond Their Names?
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SUMMARY
The discussion clarifies the relationship between silicon and silicone, emphasizing that silicone is a polymer consisting of alternating silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) bonds, often featuring methyl group side chains. Participants highlight the valence of silicon and its comparison to carbon, noting that silicon is more abundant on Earth but less so in the universe, which contributes to the improbability of silicon-based life forms. The conversation also touches on misconceptions regarding the abundance of silicon and the structural complexity of silicone beyond simple Si-O linkages.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of polymer chemistry, specifically silicone structures
- Familiarity with the periodic table and elemental properties, particularly silicon and carbon
- Knowledge of organic chemistry, including alkyl groups and their roles in molecular structures
- Basic concepts of abundance and distribution of elements in Earth and the universe
- Research the chemical structure and properties of silicone polymers
- Explore the valence electron configurations of silicon and carbon
- Investigate the potential for silicon-based life forms in astrobiology
- Learn about the applications and versatility of silicone in various industries
Chemists, materials scientists, and anyone interested in the chemical properties and applications of silicon and silicone, as well as those exploring the implications of elemental abundance in life sciences.
- #2
HazZy
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silicone is a polymer of alternating Si and O bonds.
- #3
radagast
- 483
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Don't forget the methyl group side chains.
monomer unit of [(CH3)2SiO]
- #4
HazZy
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well yeah of course, except it doesn't need to be methyl groups.
Last edited:
- #5
Another God
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LOL, yeah, 'of course'...because we all knew about them
- #6
HazZy
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it's clear when you look at the valence of silicon and what's sitting right above it in the periodic table 
. however it's not 1/10 as versatile or abundant as carbon, which is why we don't see silicon based life anywhere around here .
. however it's not 1/10 as versatile or abundant as carbon, which is why we don't see silicon based life anywhere around here .- #7
Chemicalsuperfreak
- 218
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Originally posted by HazZy
it's clear when you look at the valence of silicon and what's sitting right above it in the periodic table
It's clear by the valence that silicone needs a methyl or some other alkyl group? Wow, I didn't know that, and I'm an organic chemist. And I guess I should toss my geology notes, because they say silicon is a far more abundant element than carbon.
- #8
HazZy
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i was just saying that it's clear that silicone is not simply Si-O-Si-O..., which is what i said in the first reply. i never said "it's clear by the valence that silicone needs a methyl or some other alkyl group". please don't put words in my mouth...
and yeah silicon is more abundant in earth, but less abundant in the universe, i just got the two mixed up. which is just one of many reason silicon based life is not very likely in the universe. give me some slack, i wrote the last reply in math class...
- #9
radagast
- 483
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Actually, you don't see them because they move slowly and are very clever.Originally posted by HazZy
it's clear when you look at the valence of silicon and what's sitting right above it in the periodic table
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