Electrical conductivity of SiCl4

In summary, the difference between SiCl4 and Al2O3 in terms of their conductivity is due to their structures. While Al2O3 is ionic with a degree of covalent character, SiCl4 is a simple molecular compound. When put into water, Al2O3 remains insoluble and does not affect its conductivity, while SiCl4 reacts to form SiO2 and HCl. SiO2 is insoluble in water, but HCl conducts electricity due to its ionic nature. This is because SiCl4 is not ionic and does not have free electrons, while HCl does.
  • #1
Janiceleong26
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Why doesn't SiCl4 conduct electricity when it's in its molten state and conducts electricity when water is added? The answer is C. I know very well what is X and Z, but unsure what is Y.. Why not Al2O3? What's the difference? Does it got to do with their structures? Al2O3 is ionic with a degree of covalent character whereas SiCl4 is a simple molecular? if so, what is the effect of it?
 
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  • #2
  • #3
What happens to each of those compounds when they are put into water? (Hint: "dissolve" and "doesn't dissolve" are not the only possible answers).
 
  • #4
RUber said:
According to: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aluminium_oxide
Aluminum oxide is insoluble in water, so adding water would probably not affect its conductivity.
You are right to look for the ionic bond.
Thank you for the info. But SiCl4 is a simple molecular..it can react with water to form SiO2, but SiO2 is giant molecular! I'm really confused
 
  • #5
Borek said:
What happens to each of those compounds when they are put into water? (Hint: "dissolve" and "doesn't dissolve" are not the only possible answers).
NaF will split and form Na+ and F-1 ions, SiCl4 reacts with water to form SiO2, and SiO2 has no reaction with water
 
  • #6
Janiceleong26 said:
SiCl4 reacts with water to form SiO2
... and what else?
 
  • #7
SiCl4 is not ionic, therefore it does not have free electrons to conduct electricity when in molten state.
However, when SiCl4 reacts with water, it form SiO2 and HCl. SiO2 is insoluble in water, but HCl conducts electricity since it's ionic.

Source from my school notes :D
 

Related to Electrical conductivity of SiCl4

What is SiCl4?

SiCl4 is the chemical formula for silicon tetrachloride, a covalent compound made up of one silicon atom and four chlorine atoms. It is a colorless liquid with a pungent odor, commonly used in the production of silicon-based materials.

Is SiCl4 an electrical conductor?

No, SiCl4 is not an electrical conductor in its pure form. It is a nonpolar covalent compound, meaning it does not have freely moving electrons that can conduct electricity.

Can SiCl4 conduct electricity when dissolved in water?

Yes, SiCl4 can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. This is because when it is dissolved, it dissociates into ions (SiCl4→ Si4+ + 4Cl-), which can then move and conduct electricity.

What factors affect the electrical conductivity of SiCl4?

The main factor that affects the electrical conductivity of SiCl4 is the presence of impurities or dissolved ions. Pure SiCl4 does not conduct electricity, but when impurities or ions are present, it can become a conductor. Additionally, the concentration of SiCl4 and temperature can also affect its conductivity.

What are the practical applications of understanding the electrical conductivity of SiCl4?

Understanding the electrical conductivity of SiCl4 is important in industries where it is used, such as in the production of semiconductors and other silicon-based materials. It is also important in chemistry and research, as SiCl4 is commonly used as a reagent or solvent in various reactions.

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