The disilacyclopentane group is synthesized from an acetylenic group by palladium catalyzed disilation to afford the disilylolefin, cyclization, then hydrogenation to afford the desired functionality. Efforts to prepare the monomer from the disilation of olefins are underway to reduce the cost of the monomers.

Polymerization of the disilaoxacyclopentane group occurs through a chain growth mechanism initiated by catalytic alkoxide or silanoate (or stronger) bases or with a Bronsted acid (such as formic acid). The polymerization reactions are exothermic. The resulting transparent gels undergo less than 5% shrinkage.

Contact: Doug Loy