Question

What happens when SiO₂ reacts with NaOH?

Answer 1

Silicon Dioxide

• Silicon dioxide has a chemical formula ${\mathrm{SiO}}_2$.
• Silica is slightly acidic in nature and so is capable to reacts with a base to give salt and water.
• Silica is used in water filtration and agricultural processes, and in the manufacturing of foundries and glass.

Reaction

• During the reaction of silicon dioxide$\left({\mathrm{SiO}}_2\right)$ with concentrated sodium hydroxide$\left(\mathrm{NaOH}\right)$, the formation of sodium silicate$\left({\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{SiO}}_3\right)$ and water takes place.
• The reaction is as follows:

${\mathrm{SiO}}_2\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+2\mathrm{NaOH}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{Na}}_2{\mathrm{SiO}}_3\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)$