Enthalpy of formation of CaSi₂O₅, a quenched high-pressure phase with pentacoordinate silicon

The monoclinic titanite-like high-pressure form of calcium disilicate has been synthesized and quenched to ambient conditions to form the triclinic low-pressure phase containing silicon in four-, five- and sixfold coordination. The enthalpy of formation of the quench product has been measured by high-temperature oxide melt calorimetry. The value obtained from samples from a series of several synthesis experiments is △H_f = (-26.32 ± 4.27) kJ mol^-1 for the formation from the component oxides, or △H_f = (-2482.81 ± 4.59) kJ mol^-1 for the formation from the elements. The result is identical within experimental error to available estimates, although the previously predicted energy difference between the monoclinic and triclinic phases could not be verified.