Silicon Chemistry: Similar to Carbon? Synthesizing PEG-trimethoxysilane

  • Thread starter Thread starter hdsncts
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Chemistry Silicon
AI Thread Summary
Silicon chemistry shares some similarities with carbon chemistry due to their position in the periodic table and the number of valence electrons. However, significant differences exist, particularly in the nature of Si-Si and C-C bonds, which affects reactivity and mechanisms. The discussion centers on synthesizing PEG-trimethoxysilane, with clarification that PEG refers to polyethylene glycol. The participant seeks advice on starting materials and methods, specifically regarding the use of trimethylsilyl (TMS) and the conversion of methyl groups to methoxyl groups. It is noted that methoxyl groups are necessary for the desired elimination reaction with a hydroxyl group to attach PEG to another molecule via silicon.
hdsncts
Messages
10
Reaction score
0
Is Silicon chemistry very similar to Carbon chemistry? Being in the same column with the same number of valence electrons, I assume it would be? Would I be able to use the same mechanisms I learned in my Organic Chemistry class?

I ask because I'm trying to synthesize PEG-trimethoxysilane. I'm actually not sure what to start with, either. Any help would be very appreciated.
 
Chemistry news on Phys.org
In general they are different, Si-Si bond is not similar to C-C bond enough.
 
Are you sure it isn't trimethylsilyl? If so that's a pretty common alcohol protecting group. And if PEG stands for polyethylene glycol then it would make more sense to me. Cause then all you do is put TMS-chloride with pyridine and voila.
 
No, I need to have the groups attached to the silicon (except the PEG... yes you are right, I did mean polyethylene glycol) to undergo an elimination reaction with a hydroxyl group. This would attach the PEG onto another molecule via the silicon. I don't think the methyl groups would do this, but the methoxyl groups would.

Like I said though, I haven't decided what to start with- if I were to start with TMS, could I convert the methyl groups to methoxyl.
 
Thread 'How to make Sodium Chlorate by Electrolysis of salt water?'
I have a power supply for electrolysis of salt water brine, variable 3v to 6v up to 30 amps. Cathode is stainless steel, anode is carbon rods. Carbon rod surface area 42" sq. the Stainless steel cathode should be 21" sq. Salt is pure 100% salt dissolved into distilled water. I have been making saturated salt wrong. Today I learn saturated salt is, dissolve pure salt into 150°f water cool to 100°f pour into the 2 gallon brine tank. I find conflicting information about brine tank...
Engineers slash iridium use in electrolyzer catalyst by 80%, boosting path to affordable green hydrogen https://news.rice.edu/news/2025/engineers-slash-iridium-use-electrolyzer-catalyst-80-boosting-path-affordable-green Ruthenium is also fairly expensive (a year ago it was about $490/ troy oz, but has nearly doubled in price over the past year, now about $910/ troy oz). I tracks prices of Pt, Pd, Ru, Ir and Ru. Of the 5 metals, rhodium (Rh) is the most expensive. A year ago, Rh and Ir...
Back
Top