Trimethylsilanol

Trimethylsilanol is a chemical compound with the formula (CH3)3SiOH. It is a colorless liquid that is used as a precursor to other organosilicon compounds.

Structure and properties

Trimethylsilanol is a tetrahedral molecule. The Si-O bond length is 1.64 Å, and the Si-O-H angle is 109.5°. The molecule has a dipole moment of 1.9 D due to the polar Si-O bond. The compound is a weak acid, with a pKa of 11.0 in water.

Synthesis

Trimethylsilanol can be synthesized by the hydrolysis of trimethylsilyl chloride, using water or a weak base such as ammonia. The reaction is as follows:

(CH3)3SiCl + H2O → (CH3)3SiOH + HCl

Uses

Trimethylsilanol is used as a precursor to other organosilicon compounds. It can be converted to trimethylsilyl chloride by reaction with hydrochloric acid, or to trimethylsilyl ethers by reaction with alcohols. It is also used as a protecting group in organic synthesis, particularly for alcohols and carboxylic acids.

Safety

Trimethylsilanol is a flammable liquid and a mild irritant. It should be handled with care, using appropriate personal protective equipment.

See also

• Organosilicon
• Silanol
• Trimethylsilyl chloride