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Send EmailSilicic Acid, Orthosilicic Acid, Ortho Silicic Acid, 10193-36-9
| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| Product Name | Silicic Acid |
| General Formula | [SiOx(OH)4-2x]n |
| CAS Number (Orthosilicic Acid) | 10193-36-9 |
| Chemical Class | Inorganic acid / Silicate family |
| Natural Occurrence | Dissolved in ocean and river waters (~150 µM) |
CHEMICAL DESCRIPTION:
Silicic acid is a hydrated form of silicon oxide. It is the general name for a family of chemical compounds formed by silicon with varying amounts of hydrogen and oxygen molecules. After oxygen, silicon is the most abundant element in nature. In aqueous environments, it does not ionize, allowing silicon salts in oceans to form silicic acid. The most common and biologically available form is orthosilicic acid (H₄SiO₄).
| Type | Chemical Formula | Physical Properties | Solubility | Bioavailability | Key Applications |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orthosilicic Acid | H₄SiO₄ | Colorless, odorless, liquid form | Soluble in water | High | Health supplements, bone and hair health |
| Metasilicic Acid | H₂SiO₃ | White, amorphous solid | Insoluble in water | Low | Industrial additives, ceramics, glass |
| Disilicic Acid | H₂Si₂O₅ | Crystalline structure | Poor solubility | Medium | Mineral structures, geological formations |
| Silica Gel (Amorphous) | SiO₂·nH₂O | White, gelatinous | Insoluble | None | Desiccant, moisture absorbers |
| Crystalline Silicic Acid | SiO₂ | Hard, crystalline | Insoluble | None | Glass, electronics, construction materials |
| Property | Amorphous Form | Crystalline Form |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | White, tasteless | Rock crystal |
| Solubility | Insoluble in water | Insoluble |
| Density | ~2.2 g/cm³ | ~2.6 g/cm³ |
| pH | Weakly acidic (proton loss begins at pH ~10) | - |
| Molecular Weight (H₄SiO₄) | 96.11 g/mol | - |
| Reaction | Description |
|---|---|
| Polymerization | When solubility is exceeded, reacts with itself to form amorphous silica hydrate |
| Reaction with Aluminum | Combines with aluminum hydroxide to form aluminum silicate hydroxide |
| Reaction with Molybdate | Forms heteropolyacids such as silicomolybdic acid with excess molybdate |
| Reaction with Acids | Very dilute silica solution does not precipitate with acids; remains as hydrate |
| Proton Loss | Weakly acidic; first proton loss begins at pH ~10 |
| Source | Description |
|---|---|
| Oceans | Average concentration of ~150 µM; annual net input of 6.1 ± 2.0 teramoles of silicon |
| Rivers | ~80% of global silicic acid input comes from rivers |
| Plants | Borago officinalis (Borage) contains up to 2.2% silicic acid |
| Marine Sediments | Net biogenic silicon yield of 7.1 ± 1.8 teramoles per year |
| Beverages | Naturally found in beverages such as beer |
| Sector / Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Toothpaste | Used as an abrasive gel in combination with calcium carbonate for plaque removal |
| Desiccant (Silica Gel) | Moisture-absorbing properties used in vitamin bottles, electronics, shoes, and leather products |
| Decorative | Used in chemical gardens, magic rocks, and crystal gardens |
| Industrial | Additive in glass, ceramics, fertilizer production, and construction materials |
| Medical & Supplements | Used as orthosilicic acid for bone health, hair, and skin health |
| Electronics | Crystalline silicic acid (quartz) used in electronic circuits |
| Geology | Mineral structures and geological formations |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| FDA Status | Recognized as safe (GRAS) |
| Toxicity | No known toxicity or carcinogenicity |
| Skin Irritation | May be irritating at high concentrations |
| Eye Irritation | May be irritating at high concentrations |
| Inhalation | Dust inhalation poses risk to lungs and nervous system |
| Special Warning | Use with caution in kidney patients |
| Personal Protection | Use mask and safety goggles when handling powder |
| Parameter | Information |
|---|---|
| Storage Conditions | Dry, cool environment |
| Keep Away From | Moisture |
| Shelf Life | Unlimited under proper storage |
| Packaging | Sealed containers (silica gel packets) |
| Special Warning | Protect from moisture; otherwise may transform into gel form |
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Bone Health | A 2008 study of 136 osteopenic patients showed improved bone formation with orthosilicic acid combined with calcium and vitamin D. Stimulates collagen production and bone-forming cell development. |
| Hair Health | A 2007 study of 48 women showed increased hair strength and thickness; improved hair quality with orthosilicic acid supplementation. |
| Other Potential Uses | Being researched for Alzheimer's, arthritis, atherosclerosis, hypertension, heart disease, osteoporosis, and stroke treatment. |
| Bioavailability | Orthosilicic acid is the most bioavailable form of silicon for humans. |
SUMMARY:
Silicic acid is the general name for hydrated silicon oxide forms. Its general formula is [SiOx(OH)4-2x]n. The most common and biologically available form is orthosilicic acid (H₄SiO₄). It exists in two main forms: amorphous and crystalline. It is found dissolved in ocean and river waters and occurs naturally in plants.
Key Types:
| Type | Formula | Application |
|---|---|---|
| Orthosilicic Acid | H₄SiO₄ | Health supplements |
| Metasilicic Acid | H₂SiO₃ | Industrial production |
| Silica Gel | SiO₂·nH₂O | Desiccant |
| Quartz | SiO₂ | Glass, electronics |
CRITICAL WARNINGS:
Bioavailability: Orthosilicic acid is the most biologically available form of silicon for humans.
Proton Loss: Silicic acid is a very weak acid; the first proton loss begins at pH ~10.
Polymerization: When solubility is exceeded, amorphous silica hydrate forms.
Health Warnings: Although recognized as safe by the FDA, high concentrations may cause skin and eye irritation. Inhalation poses risks to lungs and nervous system. Use with caution in kidney patients.
Storage: Protect from moisture; otherwise may transform into gel form.
Important Disclaimer: This Technical Data Sheet (TDS) is for informational purposes only. The information provided is based on available data and is believed to be accurate. However, the user is solely responsible for determining the suitability of the product for their specific applications and for complying with all applicable regulations and safety requirements. For complete safety, handling, storage, and regulatory compliance information, always refer to the official Safety Data Sheet (SDS/MSDS) provided by the manufacturer/supplier. All local, national, and international regulations must be followed when working with Silicic Acid. Medical applications should be conducted under professional medical supervision.