Reaction of the Si-Cl bond with trialkyl orthoformates preparation of alkoxy-substituted silanes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0022-328X(97)00204-0

Trialkyl orthoformates in the presence of aluminium chloride represent quite useful reagents to generate silicon alkoxides from chlorosilanes. 3-Cyanopropyltrichlorosilane and 2-[(2-trichlorosilyl)ethyl]-pyridine give the triethoxy compounds 3-cyanopropyltriethoxysilane and 2-[(2-triethoxysilyl)ethyl]-pyridine respectively. Via this route, in methylchlorooligosilanes a partial or complete exchange of the chlorine substituents for alkoxy groups occurs depending on the starting molar ratio of silane:HC(OR)₃ (R = Me, Et). SiCl₂Me groups react to SiClMe(OR) first before SiMe(OR)₂ groups are formed. (Si)₂SiClMe units are not affected by HC(OR)₃.