CH1012
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SILICON CHEMISTRY
Silicon in nature exists primarily
as the silicate minerals.
Crust: 28% Si. (O 47%)
as the silicate minerals.
Crust: 28% Si. (O 47%)
• Quartz the simplest
silicate
(SiO2, silicon dioxide) has a
network covalent structure.
(SiO2, silicon dioxide) has a
network covalent structure.
• Elemental silicon is obtained
by reduction of molten SiO2.
by reduction of molten SiO2.
SiO2(l) + 2C(s) ® Si(l) + 2CO(g)
• Zone refining is then used to
purify the Si to the point where
it can be used to make chips.
purify the Si to the point where
it can be used to make chips.
