Question

Name the structure of silicates in which three oxygen atoms of $[Si{O}_4{]}^{-}$ are shared:

• A. Three dimensional silicate
• B. Linear chain silicate
• C. Pyrosilicate
• D. Sheet silicate

Answer 1

The correct option is D

Sheet silicate

If we consider $[Si{O}_4{]}^{-}$ units,
Pyrosilicate is the structure with just the one oxygen atom shared.

Linear chain silicates have 2 oxygen atoms shared. Sheet silicate is the one where 3 oxygen atoms are shared. If all the four oxygen atoms if the $[Si{O}_4{]}^{-}$ units are shared – they are called three-dimensional silicates.