Dehydroxylation Route to Surface Modification of Mesoporous Silicas by Using Grignard Reagents

Electron-deficient silicon atoms, which are generated on a silica surface by evacuation above 900 K, are attacked by Grignard reagents (see picture). This reactivity provides a novel route for the surface modification of mesoporous silicas as the organic groups are strongly bound to the surface through the formation of SiC bonds. The pore structures of the mesoporous silicas are not destroyed by the modification.