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Definition of SiCl4
SiCl4, also known as Silicon tetrachloride, is a chemical compound with the chemical formula SiCl4. The compound has a molar mass of 169.90 g/mol. The molecular structure consists of a central Silicon atom linked to four Chlorine atoms surrounding it, forming a tetrahedral structure. The ion structure of this compound is unstable, hence it does not exist. -
Properties of SiCl4
2.1 Physical properties of SiCl4
SiCl4 is a colorless liquid with a distinctive smell. This molecule does not have a pH value as it is not an acid or a base.
2.2 Chemical properties of SiCl4
SiCl4 reacts violently with water and absorbs moisture from the air, forming hydrochloric acid HCl and silicon dioxide SiO2. -
Common chemical equations of SiCl4
SiCl4 reacts with water:
SiCl4 + 2H2O -> SiO2 + 4HCl
SiCl4 can also react with metals such as aluminum to form AlCl3 and Si:
3SiCl4 + 2Al -> 2AlCl3 + 3Si -
Preparation of SiCl4
4.1 Laboratory preparation of SiCl4
SiCl4 is typically not prepared in the laboratory due to its chemical properties. It is usually produced from the refining process of silicon.
4.2 Industrial preparation of SiCl4
In industry, SiCl4 is prepared from the reaction between silicon and chlorine at high temperature:
Si + 2Cl2 -> SiCl4.