Product Information
General Information
Description
Product Introduction
Methyltriethoxysilane (CAS No. 2031-67-6) is an organosilane compound containing one methyl group and three hydrolyzable ethoxy groups bonded to silicon. It is commonly abbreviated as MTES.
The three Si–OCH₂CH₃ groups can undergo hydrolysis and subsequent condensation, allowing Methyltriethoxysilane to function as a silane coupling agent, surface modifier, crosslinking reagent, and precursor for siloxane and organosilica materials.
Methyltriethoxysilane is used in sol-gel chemistry, surface modification, silicone and polymer materials, coatings, composites, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials. TCI categorizes it under silane coupling agents, alkyl silanes, organosilicon compounds, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials.
Mechanism / Principle
Hydrolysis and Condensation
The three ethoxy groups of Methyltriethoxysilane are reactive toward water. Under suitable conditions, the Si–OC₂H₅ groups undergo hydrolysis to form silanol-containing species.
The resulting silanol groups can then undergo condensation to form Si–O–Si bonds, producing siloxane or organosilica networks.
This reaction behavior makes Methyltriethoxysilane useful for:
- Sol-gel synthesis
- Siloxane network formation
- Surface modification
- Crosslinking
- Organic-inorganic hybrid material preparation
Hydrophobic Surface Modification
The methyl group remains attached to the silicon center during hydrolysis and condensation. This organic substituent can contribute hydrophobic characteristics to the resulting silicon-containing material.
Therefore, Methyltriethoxysilane can be used to adjust:
- Surface wettability
- Surface energy
- Hydrophobicity
- Organic-inorganic compatibility
- Material network structure
Key Research Applications
1. Silane Coupling and Surface Modification
Methyltriethoxysilane can be used to modify inorganic surfaces and tailor organic-inorganic interfaces.
Applications include:
- Glass surface treatment
- Silica surface modification
- Mineral filler treatment
- Inorganic particle modification
- Interface engineering
2. Sol-Gel Chemistry
The hydrolysis and condensation of Methyltriethoxysilane make it useful as a precursor for organosilicon and hybrid sol-gel materials.
Applications include:
- Sol-gel synthesis
- Organosilica materials
- Siloxane networks
- Organic-inorganic hybrid materials
- Porous materials
3. Silicone and Polymer Materials
Methyltriethoxysilane can participate in siloxane network formation and is used in silicone-related material research.
Applications include:
- Silicone polymers
- Silicone resins
- Polymer modification
- Crosslinked polymer networks
- Functional polymer materials
Thermo Fisher specifically identifies Methyltriethoxysilane as a material used in the production of silicone polymers or silicone resin.
4. Coatings and Surface Protection
Methyltriethoxysilane can be incorporated into surface-treatment and coating systems.
Applications include:
- Protective coatings
- Hydrophobic coatings
- Functional surface coatings
- Glass coatings
- Inorganic substrate treatment
5. Polymer Composites
Methyltriethoxysilane can be used in research involving inorganic fillers and organic polymer matrices.
Applications include:
- Polymer composites
- Mineral-filled polymers
- Silica-polymer interfaces
- Reinforced polymer systems
- Organic-inorganic composites
6. Advanced Materials
The combination of three reactive ethoxy groups and one methyl group provides a useful structural platform for controlling the properties of silicon-containing materials.
Applications include:
- Functional surfaces
- Organosilica materials
- Hybrid materials
- Nanocomposites
- Surface-engineered materials
Advantages
- Reactive trialkoxysilane structure
- Three hydrolyzable ethoxy groups
- Suitable for hydrolysis and condensation
- Useful for siloxane network formation
- Methyl group can contribute hydrophobic character
- Suitable for surface modification
- Applicable to sol-gel synthesis
- Useful for silicone and polymer research
- Suitable for coatings and composite materials
- Available in high-purity research grades
Storage & Handling
- Store in a tightly closed container.
- Protect from moisture and humidity.
- Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated environment.
- Minimize prolonged exposure to atmospheric moisture.
- Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
- Handle in a suitable fume hood.
- Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
- Wear appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
- Use compatible containers and dry equipment where appropriate.
- Follow the product-specific SDS for handling, storage, and disposal.
TCI describes Methyltriethoxysilane/Triethoxymethylsilane as moisture sensitive and recommends storage in a cool, dark location below 15°C under inert gas. TCI also reports a flash point of 23°C and classifies it as a flammable liquid and vapor.
Research Areas
Researchers working in the following fields may benefit from Methyltriethoxysilane (CAS No. 2031-67-6):
- Organosilicon chemistry
- Polymer chemistry
- Silicone materials
- Sol-gel chemistry
- Surface chemistry
- Materials science
- Coatings
- Adhesives
- Composite materials
- Nanomaterials
- Organic-inorganic hybrid materials
FAQ
Q1: What is Methyltriethoxysilane?
A: Methyltriethoxysilane is an organosilane compound with CAS No. 2031-67-6, molecular formula C₇H₁₈O₃Si, and molecular weight 178.30 g/mol.
Q2: Is Methyltriethoxysilane the same as Triethoxymethylsilane?
A: Yes. Methyltriethoxysilane and Triethoxymethylsilane are names for the same compound, CAS 2031-67-6. NIST lists both names for this CAS number.
Q3: What is the abbreviation for Methyltriethoxysilane?
A: MTES is a commonly used abbreviation for Methyltriethoxysilane.
Q4: What is Methyltriethoxysilane used for?
A: It is mainly used as an organosilane reagent for surface modification, sol-gel synthesis, silicone materials, coatings, polymer composites, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials.
Q5: Is Methyltriethoxysilane moisture sensitive?
A: Yes. Its three ethoxy groups can undergo hydrolysis in the presence of water. TCI specifically identifies the compound as moisture sensitive.
Q6: What is the molecular weight of Methyltriethoxysilane?
A: The molecular weight is 178.30 g/mol. NIST gives a calculated molecular weight of 178.3015.
Q7: What is the molecular formula of CAS 2031-67-6?
A: The molecular formula is C₇H₁₈O₃Si.
Q8: Can Methyltriethoxysilane be used in sol-gel synthesis?
A: Yes. Its hydrolyzable ethoxy groups make it suitable as a precursor for siloxane, organosilica, and organic-inorganic hybrid materials.
