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^+#