Tetramethyl orthosilicate

Tetramethyl orthosilicate is the chemical compound with the formula Si(OCH₃)₄. This molecule consists of four methyl groups attached to the hypothetical anion SiO₄^4-. The basic properties are similar to the more popular tetraethyl orthosilicate, which is usually preferred because the product of hydrolysis, ethanol, is less toxic than methanol.

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Tetramethyl orthosilicate hydrolyzes to SiO₂:

Si(OCH₃)₄ + 2 H₂O → SiO₂ + 4 CH₃OH

In organic synthesis, Si(OCH₃)₄ has been used to convert ketones and aldehydes to the corresponding ketals and acetals, respectively.^[1]

Safety

The hydrolysis of Si(OCH₃)₄ produces insoluble SiO₂. Should this process occur in the eyes, vision would be impared.

References

1. ^ Sakurai, H. "Silicon(IV) Methoxide" in Encyclopedia of Reagents for Organic Synthesis 2001 John Wiley & Sons. DOI: 10.1002/047084289X.rs012