Question

The basic structural unit of ortho-silicates is :

• A. $Si{O}_4^{4-}$
• B. $Si{O}_3^{2-}$
• C. $Si{O}_4^{2-}$
• D. SiO

Answer 1

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

$Si{O}_4^{4-}$ is basic structural unit of ortho-silicates. It is a tetrahedral unit. Si atom is $s{p}^3$ hybridized and forms four covalent bonds with 4 oxygen atoms. There is no sharing of corners with one another.