Intermediate Topic 640 of 1102 Inorganic Chemistry
Silicon Chemistry
Silicon forms strong Si-O bonds, giving silicates, silica and silicones.
In-depth explanation of Silicon Chemistry
Silicon is a metalloid in Group 14 and the second most abundant element in Earth's crust, where it occurs mostly as silicon dioxide and silicates. Its Si-O bond is very strong, about 452 kJ/mol, which makes silica extremely stable. Silicon forms few multiple bonds because its p orbitals overlap poorly, so its chemistry is dominated by single bonds in tetrahedral arrangements. Silicon halides hydrolyse readily in water to give silica. The element is the basis of semiconductor electronics, since its band gap of about 1.1 eV can be controlled by doping.
Going deeper: Silicon Chemistry
Key ideas: Si is made industrially by SiO2 + 2C gives Si + 2CO in an arc furnace at about 2000 C; ultrapure semiconductor grade uses SiHCl3 distillation and reduction with H2, then zone refining or Czochralski growth. Si reacts with NaOH to give silicate and H2, and with HF to give SiF4. Doping with group 15 gives n-type, with group 13 gives p-type material.
Common mistakes and connections: Students think silicon dioxide is molecular like CO2; SiO2 is a giant covalent network with each Si bonded to four O, hence its high melting point near 1710 C. Si-O is strong (about 452 kJ per mol), which explains abundance in rocks. Connects to silicates, semiconductors, silicones and photovoltaic materials.
Visualization of Silicon Chemistry
Silicon crystallizes in the diamond structure, each atom tetrahedrally bonded to four neighbours, with a band gap of about 1.1 eV. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
Sand is mostly silicon dioxide, SiO2, and it is the main raw material for glass.
Frequently asked questions about Silicon Chemistry
What is Silicon Chemistry?
Silicon forms strong Si-O bonds, giving silicates, silica and silicones.
Is Silicon Chemistry a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Silicon Chemistry is a intermediate topic in Inorganic Chemistry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before Silicon Chemistry?
Study these earlier topics in Inorganic Chemistry first: Alums, Extraction of Aluminium, Carbon Family.
What comes after Silicon Chemistry?
The next topics in Inorganic Chemistry are Silicates and Silicones.
Can I practise Silicon Chemistry with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Silicon Chemistry, and the Inorganic Chemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Silicon Chemistry fits in Inorganic Chemistry
Silicon Chemistry is topic 25 of 113 in Inorganic Chemistry.