How chlorosilanes are
synthesized
Chlorosilanes are synthesized in a fluid bed reactor at temperatures ranging
from 250 to 300°C (482 to 572°F) and at pressures of 1 to 5 bars.
The methyl chloride (CH3Cl) flows through a fluidized bed of silicon metal
powder.
The reaction, which is catalyzed by a copper-based catalyst, generates a
complex mix of methyl chlorosilanes:
The methyl chlorosilane mix contains:
-
A large amount of dimethyldichlorosilane (Me2SiCl2) – the primary building
block
-
A moderate amount of methyltrichlorosilane (MeSiCl3)
-
Some trimethylchlorosilane (Me3SiCl)
-
A small amount of methyldichlorosilane (MeHSiCl2)
-
Plus smaller amounts of other silanes
The chlorosilanes are then separated from one another through the process of
distillation.
| |
Did you know ... methyl chlorosilanes form the basis for all
silicone chemistry! Learn more about silicone chemistry
building blocks.
|
|
|