Question

The common basic structural unit in silicates and silica is:

• A. $S{i}_2{O}_6^{4-}$
• B. $Si{O}_3^{2-}$
• C. $Si{O}_4^{4-}$
• D. $S{i}_2{O}_7^{6-}$

Answer 1

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

The common basic structural unit of silicates and silica is ${SiO}_4^{4-}$. This is because, oxygen and silicon are the most abundant elements, the silicate minerals are the most common. Each oxygen will be left with a net charge of $-1$, resulting in a ${SiO}_4^{4-}$ tetrahedral group that can be bonded to other cation. It is the ${SiO}_4^{4-}$ tetrahedron that forms the basis of the silicate minerals.