Formation and Properties of Medium and High Molecular Weight Compounds of Elements of Groups 3, 4, and 5

Abstract

AbstractThe differences between compounds of carbon and of silicon are discussed, and the role of silicon as a fundamental structural component in inanimate nature is described. Starting with silicic acid and silicates, the structure and properties of the silicones and of compounds having SiCSi skeletons are described. The possibilities for the formation of high molecular‐weight compounds between elements of Groups 3 and 5 of the periodic system are considered, with particular reference to boron nitride and to aluminum‐phosphorus compounds.