Investigating the hydrolysis-condensation of dichloromethylsilane: a simplified protocol for polymethylhydrosiloxane synthesis as a candidate for vitreous substitute

This study reports a facile and efficient synthesis of polymethylhydrosiloxane (PMHS) via a simplified hydrolysis–condensation of dichloromethylsilane (DCMS), eliminating the need for a separate multistep condensation stage. PMHS samples were prepared by controlling reaction time and temperature and subsequently characterized for viscosity, refractive index, surface tension, and optical transmittance. Viscosity values were tuned from low (1.01 Pa·s) to medium (2.00 Pa·s), and the maximum isolated yield reached 34%, improving upon the previously reported 29.8% yield. All samples exhibited refractive indices between 1.3962 and 1.3980 and additional diopters in the range +3.02 D to +3.12 D, consistent with clinical requirements for vitreous substitutes. FTIR and 1H‑NMR analyses confirmed the presence of Si–H groups and the Si–O–Si backbone, indicating preservation of key functional groups during synthesis. The simplified hydrolysis–condensation protocol provides a simpler, faster route to PMHS with tunable properties suitable for further biomedical evaluation.