Here's why:

* Elements are pure substances that cannot be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means. Examples include carbon (C), oxygen (O), and silicon (Si).

* Compounds are formed when two or more elements chemically combine in a fixed ratio.

Silicone is made up of silicon (Si) and oxygen (O) atoms bonded together in a specific arrangement. The basic unit of silicone is a repeating chain of alternating silicon and oxygen atoms, with various organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. This makes it a compound.