Question

Describe the hybridization of silicon and the molecular structure of the following molecules and ions:

a) SiCl4
b) SiF6²-
c) SiH4
d) SiO4⁴-

Answer 1

The hybridization and molecular structure of silicon in the molecules and ions are described.

Step-by-step explanation:

The hybridization of silicon depends on the number of bonds formed by the silicon atom and the lone pairs around it. Here is the hybridization and molecular structure for each molecule or ion:

(a) SiCl4: The hybridization of silicon in SiCl4 is sp3 and the molecular structure is tetrahedral.

(b) SiF62-: The hybridization of silicon in SiF62- is sp3d2 and the molecular structure is octahedral.

(c) SiH4: The hybridization of silicon in SiH4 is sp3 and the molecular structure is tetrahedral.

(d) SiO44-: The hybridization of silicon in SiO44- is sp3 and the molecular structure is tetrahedral.