Silane-silanol condensation catalyzed by organotin compounds

The rate of condensation of H−SiR2−(OSiR2)n−H (n=2, 3 or 4 and R=CH3) and HO-SiRR′−(OSiRR′)3−OH (R′=C6H5) in xylene at 100 °C, catalyzed by dibutyltin diacetate, dilaurate and di-(2-ethyl)hexanoate, has been studied by infrared spectroscopy. The kinetic law is first order in each reactant and the reaction is accompanied by autocondensation of the silanol. The mecha nism involves complexation of the silanol with the catalyst, followed by the attack of a silane or silanol molecule.