Controlled polymerization of silicic acids derived from mineral silicates. Part 2.—The factors affecting the nature of QxMy polyorganosiloxanes produced from silicate minerals

Abstract

The polymerization of silicic acids derived from mineral silicates has been controlled by modification of the Lentz method of trimethylsilylation. A range of polyorganosiloxanes from tetrakis(trimethylsiloxy)silane to silica gel have been isolated. The factors affecting the degree of polymerization have been investigated and an overall reaction pathway for the trimethylsilylation of silicic acids has been postulated.