Question

Hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride gives (1) orthosilicic acid (2) metasilicic acid (3) parasilicic acid (4) silica

Short answer

The hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride gives silica.

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Silicon Tetrachloride

Silicon tetrachloride (SiCl₄) is a chemical compound that reacts with water. Understanding this compound and its reaction with water is crucial for determining the product of hydrolysis.

Definition of Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where water breaks down another compound. In this case, water will react with silicon tetrachloride.

Writing the Hydrolysis Reaction

Write the balanced chemical equation for the hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride: SiCl₄ + 2H₂O → SiO₂ + 4HCl

Identify the Product

From the balanced chemical equation, the products are silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The focus here is on silicon dioxide (SiO₂).

Understanding the Product

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) is commonly known as silica. Thus, the hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride yields silica.

Key concepts

Silicon Tetrachloride

Silicon tetrachloride (SiCl₄) is an important chemical compound in various industrial processes. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that reacts vigorously with water. This compound is commonly used in the production of high-purity silicon, which is crucial for the semiconductor industry. SiCl₄ is also employed to produce silica and other silicon-based materials. Whenever you see a reaction involving SiCl₄, be prepared for it to involve significant changes, especially when mixed with water.

Hydrolysis Reaction

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where a water molecule breaks down another compound. The term comes from the Greek words 'hydro' (water) and 'lysis' (to break down). In the case of silicon tetrachloride, when it reacts with water, a significant transformation occurs:

• SiCl₄ + 2H₂O → SiO₂ + 4HCl

In this balanced chemical equation, each molecule of SiCl₄ requires two molecules of water to react. The end products of this reaction are silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and hydrochloric acid (HCl). The SiO₂ produced is essentially pure silica, while the HCl is a byproduct.

Silicon Dioxide

Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), often referred to as silica, is a naturally occurring mineral found in sand, quartz, and various living organisms. It is widely used in the manufacturing of glass, ceramics, and as a major component in cement. In the context of the hydrolysis reaction, SiO₂ appears as an end product when silicon tetrachloride reacts with water. This reaction showcases how a liquid (SiCl₄) transforms into a solid (SiO₂) via a chemical process.

In summary:

• Silicon tetrachloride reacts with water
• Products: Silicon dioxide (SiO₂) and Hydrochloric acid (HCl)

Thus, if asked which product results from the hydrolysis of silicon tetrachloride, the correct answer is silica (SiO₂).