Ugljik i silicij su slični elementi jer pripadaju istoj 14. (4B) skupini periodnog sustava, pa se često ne samo u znanstveno-fantastičnim djelima nego i u ozbiljnijoj znanstvenoj literaturi spominje mogućnost da bi se izvanzemaljski život mogao temeljiti i na siliciju. U radu su uspoređena fizičko-kemijska svojstva ugljika i silicija kao elementarnih tvari te njihovih spojeva (alkani – silani, ciklički ugljikovodici – ciklosilikati, heterociklički spojevi – alumosilikati). Uvid u njihovu geokemiju pokazao je međuovisnost kruženja ugljika i silicija, a usporedba leda (H2O) i kremena (SiO2) ukazala na sličnost ta dva minerala.
Ovo djelo je dano na korištenje pod licencom Creative Commons Imenovanje 4.0 međunarodna.Carbon and silicon are similar chemical elements, being the members of the same, 14th (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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