Question

A cyclic silicate anion is represented as $[S{i}_3{O}_9{]}^{n-}$. Find the value of $n$.

Answer 1

A cyclic silicate anion is represented as $[S{i}_3{O}_9{]}^{n-}$; the value of n is 6.

The anion contains three silicon in the tetrahedral in the ring system. Si is in +4 oxidation state and oxygen is in -2 oxidation state.

$3\times (+4)+9\times (-2)=-6$.

An example includes Wollastonite $\left(C{a}_3\right(S{i}_3{O}_9\left)\right)$.