Question

When \(\mathrm{SiCl}_{4}\) is allowed to undergo hydrolysis to gives (a) \(\mathrm{Si}(\mathrm{OH})_{4}-\) Silicic acid (b) \(\mathrm{SiO}_{2}-\) Silicic acid (c) \(\mathrm{Si}(\mathrm{OH}) \mathrm{Cl}_{3}-\) Silicic acid (d) \(\mathrm{SiCl}_{4}\) do not undergo hydrolysis

Short answer

\(\mathrm{SiCl}_{4}\) undergoes hydrolysis to form \(\mathrm{Si(OH)}_{4}\), silicic acid, answer (a).

Step-by-step solution

Understanding Hydrolysis

Hydrolysis is a chemical reaction where a compound reacts with water, resulting in the breaking of bonds in the compound and the formation of new products.

Analyzing the Reaction

Silicon tetrachloride (\(\mathrm{SiCl}_{4}\)) can react with water. This reaction typically results in the formation of silicic acid.

Identifying the Product

When \(\mathrm{SiCl}_{4}\) undergoes hydrolysis, it reacts with water to produce silicic acid, \(\mathrm{Si(OH)}_{4}\). This is because all chlorine atoms are replaced with hydroxyl groups during hydrolysis.

Key concepts

Silicic Acid Formation

Silicic acid formation is a central point to understand the chemical behavior of silicon compounds. When silicon tetrachloride (\( \mathrm{SiCl}_{4} \)) interacts with water, it undergoes a transformation known as hydrolysis. In this process, each of the chlorine atoms is replaced by a hydroxyl group, leading to the formation of silicic acid (\( \mathrm{Si(OH)}_{4} \)). This compound is a typical example of how simple silicon compounds can convert into more complex forms through chemical reactions.
Silicic acid itself is noteworthy due to its role in forming silicon dioxide through condensation reactions when partially dehydrated. Silicon dioxide is a major component of sand and glass, making silicic acid a critical player in material sciences. In summary:

• Silicic acid is formed through the hydrolysis of \( \mathrm{SiCl}_{4} \).
• Chlorine atoms are replaced by hydroxyl groups.
• It plays a crucial role in producing silicon dioxide.

The understanding of silicic acid formation helps in grasping the broader topic of silicon chemistry and its applications.

Hydrolysis Reaction

The hydrolysis reaction is a foundational chemical process involving water as a key reactant. In the context of silicon tetrachloride (\( \mathrm{SiCl}_{4} \)), hydrolysis marks the breaking of chemical bonds in the presence of water, leading to the production of silicic acid. Understanding hydrolysis is essential because it explains how water can transform chemical structures.
During hydrolysis, \( \mathrm{SiCl}_{4} \) interacts with molecules of water and transforms into silicic acid (\( \mathrm{Si(OH)}_{4} \)). Water effectively adds hydroxyl groups to the silicon atom while removing chlorine. This kind of reaction is ubiquitous in both nature and lab environments. Important points to remember include:

• Hydrolysis involves breaking bonds using water.
• It results in the formation of new chemical compounds such as silicic acid from \( \mathrm{SiCl}_{4} \).
• This concept is widely applicable in various fields like biochemistry and materials science.

By mastering hydrolysis reactions, you tremendously broaden your understanding of chemical processes in everyday life and technology.

Silicon Compounds in Chemistry

Silicon compounds are among the most abundant and versatile in chemistry, playing a vital role in numerous industrial and natural processes. Silicon tetrachloride (\( \mathrm{SiCl}_{4} \)) and silicic acid (\( \mathrm{Si(OH)}_{4} \)) exemplify the dynamic behavior of silicon atoms when exposed to different chemical environments.
Silicon tetrachloride is a common reactant in chemical synthesis, especially for manufacturing silicones and other silicon-based materials. Being volatile and reactive, it easily engages in hydrolysis to form silicic acid, showcasing its ability to transition into different states and compounds. Key aspects to note:

• Silicon is a key element in forming various compounds such as \( \mathrm{SiCl}_{4} \) and \( \mathrm{Si(OH)}_{4} \).
• These compounds have significant industrial applications, including electronics and glassmaking.
• Understanding their chemical behavior is crucial for materials science and engineering.

Exploring silicon compounds like silicic acid and silicon tetrachloride enhances awareness of their indispensability in both synthetic and natural worlds.