The basic structural unit of silicates is

• A

  $\mathrm{SiO}^{-}$
• Correct answer
  B

  $\mathrm{SiO}_4^{4-}$
• C

  $\mathrm{SiO}_3^{2-}$
• D

  $\mathrm{SiO}_4^{2-}$

Solution

The basic building unit of all silicates is the tetrahedral $\mathrm{SiO}_4^{4-}$. It is represented as

Hence, the correct answer is option: 'B'.