piihappamasta

piihappamasta, also known as silicic acid, is a general term for a family of chemical compounds with the empirical formula H2SiO3. These compounds are often found in nature, particularly in silica-rich rocks and minerals. Silicic acid is not a single, stable molecule but rather a collection of different polymeric species that exist in equilibrium with water and dissolved silica. The simplest form is orthosilicic acid, Si(OH)4, which is a weak acid. As concentrations increase, orthosilicic acid molecules can condense to form larger polysilicic acids and eventually colloidal silica.

In aqueous solutions, silicic acid is relatively unstable and tends to polymerize or precipitate out as amorphous silica or hydrated silica, commonly known as diatomaceous earth when derived from diatoms. This property is significant in geological processes, such as the formation of chert and opal. Biologically, silicic acid is essential for some organisms, including diatoms and plants like horsetails. These organisms absorb dissolved silicic acid from their environment and use it to build their structural components, such as cell walls and exoskeletons. In industrial applications, silicic acid is a precursor for the production of silica gel and precipitated silica, which are used as desiccants, thickening agents, and reinforcing fillers.