- Definition of H2SiO3
H2SiO3, also known as silicic acid, sometimes also referred to as metasilicic acid, is a chemical compound. Its English name is Silicic Acid. Its molar mass is 80.09 g/mol. Atomic mass is H:1, Si:28, and O:16. A H2SiO3 molecule is composed of 2 hydrogen atoms, 1 silicon atom, and 3 oxygen atoms. When ionized, it forms H+ and SiO3- ions.
- Properties: H2SiO3
H2SiO3 is a colorless, odorless solid. Its pH range is from 1 – 3, indicating that it is a strong acid. The chemical properties of H2SiO3 include its ability to react with metals, acids, salts, and nonmetals.
- Common Chemical Equations of H2SiO3
H2SiO3 often reacts with metals such as Fe, Al, Ca, Na, K to form corresponding silicate compounds.
H2SiO3 can also react with strong acids like HCl, H2SO4 to produce silicate compounds and chloride or sulfate salts.
H2SiO3 can also react with nonmetals like P, S, C to form more complex silicate compounds.
The reaction of H2SiO3 with salts usually leads to the precipitation of silicates as a solid.
- Preparation of H2SiO3
H2SiO3 can be prepared in the laboratory through the reaction of sulfuric acid with silicate. On an industrial scale, it is usually produced by reacting silicate with hydrochloric acid.