trimetylisilankloridi

Trimethylsilyl chloride, often abbreviated as TMSCl, is a chemical compound with the formula (CH3)3SiCl. It is a colorless, volatile liquid that fumes in moist air due to its reaction with water to form hexamethyldisiloxane and hydrochloric acid. This reactivity makes it a useful reagent in organic synthesis.

The primary application of trimethylsilyl chloride is as a silylating agent. It is used to protect hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), and thiol (-SH) functional groups in organic molecules. By replacing the hydrogen atom in these groups with a trimethylsilyl group, the reactivity of the molecule can be temporarily masked, allowing other reactions to be carried out on different parts of the molecule. After the desired reactions are complete, the trimethylsilyl group can be easily removed, regenerating the original functional group.

Trimethylsilyl chloride is also employed in the preparation of other organosilicon compounds. It serves as a precursor for synthesizing various silicon-containing polymers and materials. Due to its corrosive nature and the release of hydrochloric acid upon hydrolysis, it is handled with appropriate safety precautions, typically in a well-ventilated area or fume hood. Its industrial production often involves the direct reaction of methyl chloride with silicon in the presence of a copper catalyst.