Silicon Chemistry: Similar to Carbon? Synthesizing PEG-trimethoxysilane

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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.
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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.
 
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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.
 
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