Direct synthesis of ethylmethoxysilanes by the liquid-phase reaction of silicon, methanol and ethylene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(94)05219-2

The liquid-phase reactions of silicon, methanol and ethylene in an autoclave gave ethylmethoxysilanes (HSi(C2H5)(OCH3)2 and Si(C2H5)(OCH3)3) besides HSi(OCH3)3 and Si(OCH3)4.The reaction conditions for obtaining a high selectivity for the ethylmethoxysilanes were examined.With the use of a high pressure of ethylene and a small amount of methanol in toluene as a solvent at 433 K, ethylmethoxysilanes were obtained in 26percent selectivity at silicon conversion of 59percent.The direct reaction of silicon with ethanol and ethylene gave HSi(C2H5)(OC2H5)2 and Si(C2H5)(OC2H5)3.Keywords: Silylene; Alkene; Silane; Methanol; Liquid-phase reaction; Silicon