Chapter 22, Problem 22.100SP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The shorthand notation, formula and charge on the anion of the cyclic silicate anion needs to be determined, in which ${\text{SiO}}_{\text{4}}$ tetrahedral share O atom to form an 8-membered ring of alternating Si and O atoms.

Concept introduction:

The group 4A elements show variation from non-metals to metals down in the group. The first element of the group 4A is carbon with 4 valence electrons.

Since Si has four valence electrons therefore it shows tetra-valency and can form four covalent bonds with same or different elements. Because of the tetra-valency nature, Si tends to form covalent bonds with same or different elements to form a large number of chemical compounds.