https://doi.org/10.15255/KUI.2020.058
Published: Kem. Ind. 71 (5-6) (2022) 375–382
Paper reference number: KUI-58/2020
Paper type: Review / Chemistry in Teaching
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Carbon, Silicon, Oxygen: Chemical Analogy Between Living and Non-living

N. Raos

Abstract

Carbon and silicon are similar chemical elements, being the members of the same, 14^th (4B), group of the periodic system; not only in science fiction but also in serious scientific works could there be found speculations about the possibility of extra-terrestrial life based on silicon. In this paper, the physical and chemical properties of carbon and silicon, as well as their respective compounds were compared (alkanes – silanes, cyclic hydrocarbons – cyclosilicates, heterocyclic compounds – alumosilicates). Their geochemistry shows mutual dependence of carbon and silicon circulations. Moreover, comparison of silica (quartz) with water (ice) points to unexpected similarities of the two minerals.

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Keywords

chemical education, hydrogen bond, origin of life, extra-terrestrial life, geochemistry