Polymerization of epoxyorganosilanes

Polymerization of three epoxy compounds with a trimethylsilyl group, i.e., epoxyethyltrimethylsilane (I), (3.4‐epoxybutyl) trimethylsilane (II) and (2.3‐epoxypropoxy) trimethylsilane (III) was attempted with organometallic compounds as catalyst. Polymers obtained from I by any of the catalysts examined were of low molecular weight. II and III, on the other hand, yielded high polymers and showed similar polymerizability to other alkylene oxides or glycidyl ethers. Results were discussed in relation to the effects of the trimethylsilyl group on the polymerization. Polyglycidol derived from the polymer of III by hydrolysis was of much higher molecular weight than that by direct polymerization of glycidol with an onganometallic catalyst.