What is the hybridization of the central atom in the orthosilicate (SiO44-) anion?
The central atom in the orthosilicate anion (SiO44-) is silicon (Si).
Silicon has four valence electrons in its outermost shell (2s^2 2p^2).
To determine the hybridization of the central atom, we need to count the number of regions of electron density around the central atom.
In the orthosilicate anion, there are four oxygen atoms bonded to the central silicon atom. Each oxygen atom forms a single bond with silicon using one electron from its own outermost shell.
Therefore, there are a total of four regions of electron density around the silicon atom (four sigma bonds).
The hybridization of the central atom in a molecule or ion can be determined by using the formula:
Hybridization = (number of sigma bonds) + (number of lone pairs)
In this case, there are no lone pairs on the central silicon atom, only four sigma bonds.
Therefore, the hybridization of the central atom in the orthosilicate anion is sp3.