In inorganic chemistry, chlorosilanes are a group of reactive, chlorine-containing chemical compounds, related to silane () and used in many chemical processes. Each such chemical has at least one silicon-chlorine () bond. Trichlorosilane is produced on the largest scale. The Parent structure chlorosilane is silicon tetrachloride ()..
Many compounds containing Si-Cl bonds can be converted to hydrides using lithium aluminium hydride, This kind of conversion was demonstrated for the preparation of silane:
Organic compound chlorosilanes are frequently used as for silicon and glass surfaces, and in the production of silicone (polysiloxane) polymers. While phenyl chlorosilanes and many others can be used, methylsiloxanes are produced in the greatest quantities.
Methyl chlorosilanes have one to three . In the case of dimethyldichlorosilane, two chlorine atoms are available, so that a reaction with excess water produces a linear chain of ether-like linkages between silicon atoms. As in , these flexible linkages produce a rubbery polymer, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Methyltrichlorosilane can be used to induce branching and in PDMS molecules, while chlorotrimethylsilane serves to end backbone chains, limiting molecular weight.
Other acid-forming species, especially acetate, can replace chlorine in silicone synthesis with little difference in the chemistry of the finished polymer. These analogues of chlorosilanes are quite common in the sealants and adhesives marketed to consumers, and as precursors for medical-grade silicone, because of reduced toxicity.
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