Preparation, purification, and polymerization of diethyl silicon dichloride

Abstract
Diethyl silicon dichloride was prepared by a Grignard synthesis and purified highly. The material in various stages of purification was hydrolyzed and then polymerized. The properties of the hydrolyzate and of the final polymer depended markedly upon the degree of purification of the dichloride. The reaction of diethylsilicanediol with phosphorous pentoxide was also studied; the predominating reaction appears to involve entrance of the pentoxide into the polymeric structure, rather than a simple acceleration of the polycondensation reaction by the removal of water.