chlorosilanes

Chlorosilanes are organosilicon compounds that contain at least one silicon–chlorine bond. They range from simple species such as silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) to organosilicon chlorides with one to three organic substituents. The general family can be described by R_nSiCl_(4−n) for n = 0–3, where R is an alkyl or aryl group.

The reactivity of the Si–Cl bond enables useful transformations. Chlorosilanes readily hydrolyze in water to form silanols and hydrogen chloride, and they can react with alcohols or amines to give alkoxysilanes or aminosilanes. Condensation of silanols yields siloxanes, the backbone of most silicone polymers.

Industrial production and handling: chlorosilanes are prepared by chlorination of silicon-containing precursors under controlled conditions. They are highly moisture sensitive and are stored and handled under dry, inert atmosphere; reactions are typically conducted in anhydrous solvents.

Applications: they are versatile building blocks in silicone chemistry. Si–Cl containing reagents serve as coupling agents for surface modification, precursors to polysiloxanes and silicone elastomers, and as intermediates in the synthesis of organosilicon compounds.

Safety: chlorosilanes are corrosive and irritants. Hydrolysis releases hydrogen chloride. Vapors may be toxic; appropriate engineering controls, personal protective equipment, and careful moisture exclusion are required.