Question

The basic structure of silicate is:-

• A. $Si{O}_4^{2-}$
• B. $Si{O}_4^{4-}$
• C. $Si{O}_2^{2-}$
• D. $\text{None of these}$

Answer 1

The correct option is B

$Si{O}_4^{4-}$

So, this is a factual statement.
In silicates, the basic unit of structure is $Si{O}_4^{4-}$ tetrahedron. These tetrahedral may occur singly or by sharing oxygen atoms in small groups in small cyclic groups, in infinite chains or in infinite sheet. The tetrahedral share corners, but never edges or faces.