Anhydrous AlCl3 is covalent while hydrated AlCl3 is ionic. — p Block Elements Chemistry Question

💡 Solution & Explanation

Step 1: Silicon dioxide (SiO2, silica) has a giant covalent network structure rather than forming discrete molecules. Step 2: In this structure, every silicon atom is tetrahedrally bonded to four oxygen atoms, and each oxygen is shared between two silicon atoms, extending in three dimensions. Step 3: This solid is classified as a macromolecular network solid with a non-layered three-dimensional structure, corresponding to option (d).