Question

What is the structure of the sio 4unit found in silicates ?

Answer 1

Answer:

Structural principles In most commonly encountered silicates, including almost all silicate minerals found in the Earth's crust, each silicon atom occupies the center of an idealized tetrahedron whose corners are four oxygen atoms, connected to it by single covalent bonds according to the octet rule.

Explanation:

The general formula of Sheet or Phyllo silicates is (Si2O5)n2n- . Each SiO4 tetrahedron shares three oxygen atoms with others and thus by forming two-dimensional sheets. These silicates can be cleaved easily just like graphite. E.g. 1) Talc - Mg3Si4O10(OH)2 : It is the main ingredient of soap stone.