Question

The anionic unit of ortho silicates is:

• A. $S{i}_2{O}_4^{2-}$
• B. $S{i}_3{O}_9^{6-}$
• C. $Si{O}_4^{4-}$
• D. $S{i}_4{O}_6^{4-}$

Answer 1

The correct option is C $Si{O}_4^{4-}$

Orthosilicates contain simple discrete tetrahedral $Si{O}_4^{4-}$orthosilicate anions and its corners are not shared eg: $ZrSi{O}_4$(Zircon)

$S{i}_3{O}_9^{6-}$ unit is present in Wollastonite $\left(C{a}_{3}S{i}_3{O}_9\right)$ and it is a type of cyclic silicates.