What is the oxidation number of Si (silicon)?

1 Answer
anor277
Jun 26, 2016

Elemental silicon has a formal oxidation state of 0.

Explanation:

Of course, silicon IN ITS COMPOUNDS, as a carbon analogue, usually has an oxidation state of +IV.

I use the formal definition of oxidation state/number: the charge left on the central atom, when all the bonding electrons are removed with the charge retained by the more electronegative atom.

As the element, Si has neither donated nor accepted electrons, and therefore it is zerovalent; i.e. it has a formal 0 oxidation state. What is the oxidation state of silicon in SiF4; in SiH4; in Si(CH3)4??

Related questions
See all questions in Oxidation Numbers
Impact of this question
24745 views around the world
You can reuse this answer
Creative Commons License