Is SiO3 soluble in Hydrofluoric acid?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the solubility of SiO3 in hydrofluoric acid (HF), particularly in the context of attempting to enlarge structural channels in the mineral beryl, which contains SiO3 rings. Participants explore the implications of using HF on the crystal structure and the potential for selective dissolution.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant questions whether SiO3 is soluble in HF and expresses a desire to enlarge channels in beryl crystals.
  • Another participant suggests that the process of moving SiF4 molecules through narrow channels may be problematic due to size constraints.
  • A participant notes that beryl is soluble in HF but raises the question of which part of the crystal dissolves first and whether a short immersion could allow HF to enter the channels before affecting the bulk of the crystal.
  • One participant explains that accessible parts of the crystal dissolve first and discusses the challenges of having HF react with silica in a confined space already occupied by water molecules.
  • Another participant inquires about the theoretical possibility of HF preferentially stripping silica from beryl without causing significant damage.
  • A later reply expresses skepticism, stating that both alumina and silica phases are reactive in HF, implying that selective dissolution may not be feasible.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the solubility of SiO3 in HF and the feasibility of selectively dissolving parts of beryl without damaging the crystal. There is no consensus on whether it is possible to achieve the desired outcome.

Contextual Notes

Participants highlight uncertainties regarding the reaction dynamics of HF with silica and alumina in the context of beryl, as well as the limitations of the crystal structure affecting the dissolution process.

Panthera Leo
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Is SiO3 soluble in Hydrofluoric acid?

Is SiO3 soluble in Hydrofluoric acid?

Why am I asking this: I have some crystals of Be3Al2(SiO3)6 - Beryl
and there are structural channels which I want to enlarge...! (I know it sounds impossible)

Here is how the crystal's structure looks like: http://youtu.be/-kS4zWyYLJk"
The structural channels are sorrounded by SiO3 rings... So I was wondering if SiO3 is soluble in HF or not? If it is I could try immersing the crystal into HF for a very short interval to cause a little enlargement of the channels and avoiding much damage to the bulk of the crystal

Thanks in advance :)
 
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So you are trying to move those SiF4 molecules through the channels that are only barely large enough for water?
 


chemisttree said:
So you are trying to move those SiF4 molecules through the channels that are only barely large enough for water?

Actually I am willing to increase the diameter of these channels.

The channel is caused by a ring of Si6O18 and I do know that beryl is solluble in HF.

But the question is which part of the xtal dissolves in HF first? Is it possible to immerse the crystal in HF for a very short interval so that some of the HF enter the channels before the rest of the outer crystal is dissolved...?

Thanks in advance
 


The accessible parts dissolve first. Think about what you want to happen. You want HF to get into a channel already occupied by water molecules. That channel is barely large enough to contain said water. After the HF sneaks by the water, you want it to react with silica to produce SiF4. Maybe you don't know that this is how silica "dissolves" in HF? Note that you will need 4 HF molecules per molecule of silica. After that you want the substantially larger SiF4 molecule to find its way past water molecules, incoming HF molecules and other SiF4 molecules just milling around.

Sounds like a very slow process to me. It's much more likely that the silica at the surface of the beryl will dissolve away leaving a network of alumina barely holding on if at all. The alumina goes away, exposing fresh silica which is attacked by more HF. This continues until...

Do you have any information that HF can preferentially strip silica from the crystal of beryl without utterly destroying it? If you do, I'm interested as well.
 


chemisttree said:
Do you have any information that HF can preferentially strip silica from the crystal of beryl without utterly destroying it?

Is this even possible theoretically?
 


I don't think so. Both the Alumina and Silica phases are soluble (reactive) in HF. It would need to be a pretty exotic material IMO.
 

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