trimetylsilylklorid

Trimethylsilyl chloride (chemical formula C3H9SiCl) is an organosilicon compound commonly referred to in some languages as trimetylsilylklorid. It is a colorless to pale yellow liquid with a characteristic pungent odor. The substance is miscible in many organic solvents, including alcohols, ethers, and chlorinated hydrocarbons, and reacts readily with water to generate trimethylsilyl alcohol and hydrochloric acid.

In the laboratory and in industrial settings, trimethylsilyl chloride is primarily used as a silylating agent. It reacts with alcohols, phenols, amines, and carboxylic acids to form the corresponding trimethylsilyl ethers, amides or esters. These derivatives are valuable intermediates in organic synthesis because the trimethylsilyl group can be removed under mild conditions, allowing for protection of functional groups during multi‑step synthetic sequences. The reagent is also employed in the preparation of silicon–oxygen frameworks, as a source of silicon in the synthesis of polysiloxanes, and as a catalyst in certain condensation reactions.

The gas–liquid interface of trimethylsilyl chloride is corrosive; contact with skin or eyes can lead to irritation, and inhalation may cause respiratory distress. Appropriate safety measures include working in a well‑ventilated fume hood, using personal protective equipment, and promptly diluting spills with water.

Trimethylsilyl chloride is generally produced by chlorination of hexamethyldisilane or by the reaction of trimethylsilanol with thionyl chloride. The substance is obtained commercially as a concentrated liquid or, less commonly, as a solid infusion produced by distillation. Its simple structure and reactivity make it a staple reagent in modern organic chemistry laboratories.