Sodium Metasilicate
Sodium Metasilicate is an ionic compound consisting of sodium cations Na+ and the polymeric metasilicate anions [–SiO2−3–]n. It is a colorless crystalline hygroscopic and deliquescent solid, soluble in water. The anhydrous compound can be prepared by fusing silicon dioxide SiO2 (silica, quartz) with sodium oxide Na2O in 1:1 molar ratio. In addition to the anhydrous form, there are hydrates with the formula Na2SiO3·nH2O (where n = 5, 6, 8, 9)
- Synonyms
- Disodium metasilicate, disodium oxosilanebis(olate)
- Chemical Formula
- Na2O3Si
- CAS Number
- 6834-92-0, 13517-24-3 (Nonahydrate), 10213-79-3 (Pentahydrate)
Characteristics
- Molar Weight
- 122.06 g/mol
- Melting Point
- 48°C (nonahydrate), 72°C (pentahydrate)
- Density
- 2.61 g/cm³
- Forms
- Crystals, White
Uses and Applications
Key applications
- Suspension agent
- Buffer agent
- Preservative
- Binding agent
- Stabilizing agent
- Emulsifying agent
Industries
- Pharma
- Cleaning
- CASE & Construction
- Water Treatment
- Chemical Processing