The Silicate Bond from the Standpoint of Electronic Theory

Starting from a consideration of the “undisturbed” SiOSi bond in the modification of silicic acid, the types of bonds present in silicates with polymeric SiOSi groups are discussed, taking into consideration the inductive effect of the metal cations. Experimental data on the influence of various substituents in organopolysiloxanes form the basis for this discussion. The bonds in silicates differ by direction and character and are determined by the relative ability of the metal atoms to act as donors and by the degree of condensation of the SiOSi bond. It is shown that on this basis, it is possible to explain, for example, why silicates differ in their atomic distances, susceptibility to cleavage by acids, stability relationships, and other properties.