6.

3 SILICON
COMPOUNDS
second most abundant element in the earth crust
non- metal
does not exist as free element, combined with

other element to form silicon compounds.

silicon compounds can be divided into 2 forms :
1. Silicon + oxygen = Silica or silicon dioxide
Ex : sand, sandstone, flint, quartz, gemstone
2. Silicon + oxygen + metal = Silicates
Ex : Silicon + oxygen + sodium = sodium silicates
Ex : clay, asbestos, mica, feldspar, topaz, ruby and
jade

silicates can be determined by

testing their properties :
a. solubility in water
b. reaction with dilute
hydrochloric acid
c. effects on heat

SILICA/
SILICATES

SAND

QUARTZ

ASBESTOS

MICA

SOLUBILITY
IN WATER

INSOLUBLE

INSOLUBLE

INSOLUBLE

INSOLUBLE

REACTION WITH
DILUTE
HYDROCHLORIC
ACID

EFFECT OF
HEAT

NO REACTION

ITS FORM
DOES NOT
CHANGE

NO REACTION

ITS FORM
DOES NOT
CHANGE

NO REACTION

ITS FORM
DOES NOT
CHANGE

NO REACTION

ITS FORM
DOES NOT
CHANGE

Are silica and silicates more stable

than oxides, sulphides and carbonates?
Yes, because they are
a. insoluble in water, except for sodium
silicate
b. do not react with dilute acids
c. do not change its form when heated

Uses of silicon compounds in

everyday life
Very stable, many uses in various industries
Electronic chips, glass, optical fibres ,

ceramics and porcelain

Quartz- make glass and ceramics
Mica- used as insulator in microwave oven,
car engines and electric iron
Asbestos-fire insulator, electrical insulators
and fireproof materials
Topaz, ruby, jade jewelleries