How react is SiO_2?

1 Answer
Jan 31, 2016

SiO_2 is fairly unreactive stuff.

Explanation:

There are few materials as unreactive as silicon dioxide, quartz (or sand). Unlike carbon dioxide, silicon dioxide is a non-molecular substance that features Si-O bonds that extend along the lattice. SiO_2 is VERY inert (i.e. UNREACTIVE). It will react with HF, but that's another story.

SiO_2(s) + 6HF(aq) rarr SiF_6^(2-) + 2H_3O^+