tetraisopropoxide

Tetraisopropoxide refers to a class of metal alkoxides with the formula M(OiPr)4, where OiPr denotes the isopropoxy ligand. The most widely encountered member is titanium tetraisopropoxide, Ti(OiPr)4, a common sol-gel precursor for titanium dioxide materials. Other metals that form tetraisopropoxides include zirconium and tin, producing Zr(OiPr)4 and Sn(OiPr)4, which are used similarly to furnis materials for oxide synthesis.

Preparation and handling of tetraisopropoxides typically involve transesterification or metathesis routes to exchange alkoxide ligands, or direct formation from metal precursors in the presence of isopropanol under carefully controlled, anhydrous conditions. These compounds are sensitive to moisture and air; hydrolysis or controlled hydrolysis converts them into metal oxides or oxyhydroxides with release of isopropanol. In solution, they may exist as monomeric or oligomeric species depending on solvent and concentration.

Properties of tetraisopropoxides depend on the specific metal center. They are generally colorless solids or liquids that are reactive toward water and oxygen, and they tend to be moisture-sensitive. In non-aqueous media they can be relatively reactive toward hydrolysis inhibitors or stabilizers, which are often employed in practical applications to control condensation rates.

Uses of tetraisopropoxides center on materials synthesis. Titanium tetraisopropoxide is widely used as a precursor in sol-gel processes to produce TiO2 for coatings, thin films, and nanoparticles. Related tetraisopropoxides are employed for preparing various metal oxide systems (e.g., ZrO2, SnO2) and as starting materials in catalysis or in the preparation of mixed oxide ceramics.

Safety considerations include flammability of solvents and reactivity with water; handling is typically done under inert or strictly anhydrous conditions with appropriate PPE.