A Theoretical Study of Silanol Polymerization

Abstract

ABSTRACTWe have applied state-of-the-art semi-empirical molecular orbital methods to a study of the anionic polymerization of silanols to form silica. In particular, we have considered nucleophilic attack on silanols and subsequent reactions of the products. Hydroxide addition proceeds without activation to form five-coordinate silicate anions. Five-coordinate structures can also be formed by oligomerization following the attack of hydroxide on neutral silanols to abstract a proton. These five-coordinate structures are predicted to play a key role as intermediates in the polymerization process. Water can be eliminated from these anions, but with a substantial activation barrier. The activation barrier appears to be lower for the larger, more complex systems. These predictions are consistent with a rapid pre-equilibrium to form dimer anions followed by the slower reaction to form higher oligomers.