Formation of Q8M10{[(CH3)3SiO]10Si8O11} from QM4{[(CH3)3SiO]4Si}, olivine and dioptase

Abstract

The preparation of three-dimensional silicate organosiloxane hybrids by the controlled polymerisation of monosilicic acids derived from silicate minerals such as olivine has been studied. A two-stage reaction process, for the formation of {[(CH₃)₃SiO]₁₀Si₈O₁₁}[Q₈M₁₀; Q = SiO_4/2, M =(CH₃)₃SiO_1/2] has been outlined, which includes silicic acid polymerisation and polyorganosiloxane (QM polymer) redistributions. The structure of Q₈M₁₀ has been characterised and shown to be a major product of the partial trimethylsilylation of the minerals olivine or dioptase.