New insights on organosilane oligomerization mechanisms using ESI-MS and 29Si NMR

Abstract

The use of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in parallel with 29 Si and 1 H NMR to elucidate the aqueous speciation and temporal evolution of the organosilane methyldiethoxysilane (MDES) through hydrolysis and condensation processes is reported here. A suitable methodological approach for the monitoring of the oligomerization of MDES under different pH conditions has been developed revealing details on the particular oligomerization mechanism of this organosilane.