Production of organometallic polymers by the interfacial technique. I. Interfacial production of polyalkyloxysilanes and a study of some reaction variables

The first interfacial synthesis of polyalkyloxysilanes of the form where R′ = alkylene, and R″, R = alkyl or aryl is reported. It is found, in the range studied for the stirred systems, that as organic solvent viscosity and organic phase volume are increased, rate of polymer formation is decreased. Little difference in polymer formation rate is observed when the nature of the diol is varied, but considerable difference is noted when the nature of the organosilane is varied such that the most electropositive silane has the highest rate of polymer formation. Molecular weight is approximately constant as diol is changed but varies markedly when the silane is changed, so that the silane with the most bulky substance will give polymer with the lowest molecular weight.