Structure of silicon(IV) oxide
What is the structure of silicon(IV) oxide?
Extended tier only
- Silicon(IV) oxide (also known as silicon dioxide or silica), SiO2, is a macromolecular compound which occurs naturally as sand and quartz
- Each oxygen atom forms covalent bonds with 2 silicon atoms and each silicon atom in turn forms covalent bonds with 4 oxygen atoms
- A tetrahedron is formed with one silicon atom and four oxygen atoms, similar to diamond
The structure of silicon(IV) oxide
Diagram showing the structure of SiO2 with the silicon atoms in blue and the oxygen atoms in red