Si4O104

Si4O104 is a chemical formula that appears in theoretical discussions of silicon–oxygen networks but is not known as a recognized mineral or widely studied compound. The neutral existence of a compound with this exact stoichiometry is chemically implausible under conventional oxidation-state chemistry, since silicon typically remains at a +4 oxidation state and oxygen contributes a total of -208 for 104 oxygens. As such, any material described by this formula would more plausibly exist as a highly charged silicate fragment or as a salt comprising a polyanionic silicon-oxide cluster balanced by counterions.

Composition and structure of Si4O104 would imply a highly connected, oxygen-rich silicon-oxide network. In silicate chemistry, silicon commonly forms SiO4 tetrahedra linked by shared oxygens. A compound with four silicon centers and 104 oxygens would require extensive Si–O–Si condensation and numerous bridging oxygens, and in a neutral solid would necessitate counterions to balance charge. Consequently, Si4O104 is usually discussed in the context of theoretical clusters or as a fragment within larger silicate frameworks rather than as an isolated discrete molecule.

Synthesis and occurrence of such a species in the real world are not established. No natural mineral is known with this exact formula, and there are no standard laboratory preparations for a neutral Si4O104 solid. If present, it would more likely exist as a polyanionic or salt form in computational models or under extreme, controlled conditions. Analyses would rely on advanced spectroscopy and diffraction techniques applied to silicate systems.

See also: silicates, silica, orthosilicate, silicate clusters, polyhedral silicates.