Silicon Dioxide
SiO2·xH2O
Anhydrous 60.08
(sil' i kon dye ox' ide).
SiO2·xH2O
Anhydrous 60.08
DEFINITION
Silicon Dioxide is obtained by insolubilizing the dissolved silica in sodium silicate solution. Where obtained by the addition of sodium silicate to a mineral acid, the product is termed silica gel. Where obtained by the destabilization of a solution of sodium silicate in such manner as to yield very fine particles, the product is termed precipitated silica. After ignition at 1000
for NLT 1 h, it contains NLT 99.0% of SiO2.
for NLT 1 h, it contains NLT 99.0% of SiO2.IDENTIFICATION
• Procedure
Sample:
5 mg
Analysis:
Transfer the Sample to a platinum crucible, mix with 200 mg of anhydrous potassium carbonate, ignite at a red heat over a burner for 10 min, and cool. Dissolve the melt in 2 mL of recently distilled water, warming if necessary, and slowly add 2 mL of ammonium molybdate TS.
Acceptance criteria:
A deep yellow color is produced.
ASSAY
• Procedure
Sample:
1 g
Analysis:
Ignite the Sample in a tared platinum dish at 1000 for 1 h, cool in a desiccator, and weigh. Carefully wet with water, and add 10 mL of hydrofluoric acid in small increments. Evaporate on a steam bath to dryness, and cool. Add 10 mL of hydrofluoric acid and 0.5 mL of sulfuric acid, and evaporate to dryness. Slowly increase the temperature until all of the acids have been volatilized, and ignite at 1000. Cool in a desiccator, and weigh. The difference between the final weight and the weight of the initially ignited portion represents the weight of SiO2.
for 1 h, cool in a desiccator, and weigh. Carefully wet with water, and add 10 mL of hydrofluoric acid in small increments. Evaporate on a steam bath to dryness, and cool. Add 10 mL of hydrofluoric acid and 0.5 mL of sulfuric acid, and evaporate to dryness. Slowly increase the temperature until all of the acids have been volatilized, and ignite at 1000. Cool in a desiccator, and weigh. The difference between the final weight and the weight of the initially ignited portion represents the weight of SiO2.
Acceptance criteria:
NLT 99.0% on the previously ignited basis
IMPURITIES
Inorganic Impurities
• Loss on Ignition 
733
733
Sample:
1 g
Analysis:
Ignite the Sample, previously dried and weighed, at 1000 for NLT 1 h.
for NLT 1 h.
Acceptance criteria:
It loses NMT 8.5% of its weight.
• Chloride and Sulfate, Chloride 221:
Boil 5 g in 50 mL of water under a reflux condenser for 2 h, cool, and filter. A 7-mL portion of the filtrate shows no more chloride than corresponds to 1.0 mL of 0.020 N hydrochloric acid (0.1%).
221:
Boil 5 g in 50 mL of water under a reflux condenser for 2 h, cool, and filter. A 7-mL portion of the filtrate shows no more chloride than corresponds to 1.0 mL of 0.020 N hydrochloric acid (0.1%).
• Chloride and Sulfate, Sulfate 221:
A 10-mL portion of the filtrate from the test for Chloride shows no more sulfate than corresponds to 5.0 mL of 0.020 N sulfuric acid (0.5%).
221:
A 10-mL portion of the filtrate from the test for Chloride shows no more sulfate than corresponds to 5.0 mL of 0.020 N sulfuric acid (0.5%).
• Arsenic, Method I 211
211
Sample solution:
Transfer 4.0 g to a platinum dish. Add 5 mL of nitric acid and 35 mL of hydrofluoric acid, and evaporate on a steam bath. Cool. Add 5 mL of perchloric acid, 10 mL of hydrofluoric acid, and 10 mL of sulfuric acid, and evaporate on a hot plate to the production of heavy fumes. Cool. Cautiously transfer to a 100-mL beaker with the aid of a few mL of hydrochloric acid, and evaporate to dryness. Cool. Add 5 mL of hydrochloric acid, dilute with water to 40 mL, and heat to dissolve any residue. Cool. Transfer to a 100-mL volumetric flask, and dilute with water to volume.
Analysis:
Use a 25.0-mL portion of the Sample solution.
Acceptance criteria:
Meets the requirements of the test (NMT 3 ppm)
• Heavy Metals, Method I 231
231
Sample solution:
16.7 mL of the solution prepared for the test for Arsenic
Analysis:
Transfer the Sample solution to a 100-mL beaker, and neutralize to litmus paper with ammonium hydroxide. Adjust with 6 N acetic acid to a pH between 3 and 4. Filter, using medium-speed filter paper, and wash with water until the filtrate and washings measure 40 mL.
Acceptance criteria:
NMT 30 ppm
SPECIFIC TESTS
• pH 791:
4–8 in a slurry (1 in 20)
791:
4–8 in a slurry (1 in 20)
• Loss on Drying 731:
Dry a sample at 145 for 4 h; it loses NMT 5.0% of its weight.
731:
Dry a sample at 145 for 4 h; it loses NMT 5.0% of its weight.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS
• Packaging and Storage:
Preserve in tight containers, protected from moisture.
• Labeling:
Label it to state whether it is silica gel or precipitated silica.
Auxiliary Information—
Please check for your question in the FAQs before contacting USP.
| Topic/Question | Contact | Expert Committee |
|---|---|---|
| Monograph | Robert H. Lafaver, M.S.
Scientific Liaison 1-301-816-8335 |
(EXC2010) Monographs - Excipients |
USP35–NF30 Page 1948
Pharmacopeial Forum: Volume No. 31(4) Page 1229