The Molecular Structure of Sodium Metasilicate Anhydrous
The basic formula for sodium metasilicate (water glass) includes two sodium, one silicon, and three oxygen atoms. When it includes no trace of water, the meta-silicate is anhydrous. Its formula should then be Na2SiO3, right? Well, yes. But, to leave it at that would be less than truthful. Parts, Just Parts Sodium meta-silicate can be visualized in two parts. One part is the two sodium ions Na+, each with a +1 charge. The other part is the meta-silicate (SiO3)-2 with its minus two charge. Some atoms can link to form chains. These atoms include carbon, boron, and silicon. Silicon and oxygen atoms of sodium meta-silicate molecules form a polymeric, corner bonded tetrahedra complex. This complex appears as if it has sub-units of SiO4 (silicon atoms central in tetrahedra). Note the SiO4…