In situ X-ray measurements to probe a new solid-state polycondensation mechanism for the design of supramolecular organo-bridged silsesquioxanes

Small. 2009 Apr;5(4):503-10. doi: 10.1002/smll.200800254.

Abstract

A long-range ordered organic/inorganic material is synthesized from a bis-silane, (EtO)(3)Si-(CH(2))(3)-NHCONH-C(6)H(4)-NHCONH-(CH(2))(3)-Si(OEt)(3). This crosslinked sol-gel solid exhibits a supramolecular organization via intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions between urea groups (-NHCONH-) and covalent siloxane bonding, triple bond Si-O-Si triple bond. Time-resolved in situ X-ray measurements (coupling small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering techniques) are performed to follow the different steps involved in the synthetic process. A new mechanism based on the crystallization of the hydrolyzed species followed by their polycondensation in solid state is proposed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Models, Molecular
  • Scattering, Radiation
  • Siloxanes / chemistry*
  • X-Ray Diffraction / methods*

Substances

  • Siloxanes