Trimethylchlorosilane, min. 97%

Product Introduction

Trimethylchlorosilane (CAS No. 75-77-4), also known as Trimethylsilyl Chloride (TMSCl or TMCS), is a highly reactive organosilicon compound and widely used silylating reagent.

Its Si–Cl bond readily reacts with compounds containing active hydrogen functionalities, allowing the introduction of a trimethylsilyl (TMS) group. Because of its high reactivity, Trimethylchlorosilane is widely used in organic synthesis, analytical chemistry, GC derivatization, pharmaceutical research, and organosilicon chemistry.

TMSCl is also frequently combined with other silylation reagents, such as BSTFA, to enhance derivatization efficiency.

Mechanism / Principle

Trimethylsilylation

Trimethylchlorosilane transfers a trimethylsilyl group to suitable nucleophilic or active-hydrogen-containing compounds.

A simplified reaction is:

R–X–H + (CH₃)₃SiCl → R–X–Si(CH₃)₃ + HCl

where X may represent oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, or another suitable reactive center.

The resulting TMS derivatives generally have:

• Lower polarity
• Reduced hydrogen bonding
• Increased volatility
• Improved GC compatibility
• Improved chromatographic behavior

Activation of Silylation Reagents

TMSCl is also commonly used as an additive in derivatization systems. For example, BSTFA + TMCS is a widely used silylation system for converting polar compounds into volatile TMS derivatives.

Key Research Applications

1. GC and GC-MS Derivatization

Trimethylchlorosilane is widely used in analytical chemistry for preparing compounds for GC analysis.

Applications include:

• Gas chromatography
• GC-MS
• Metabolite derivatization
• Organic acid analysis
• Alcohol and phenol analysis
• Analytical method development

2. BSTFA + TMCS Derivatization

TMSCl is commonly used with N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (BSTFA).

The addition of TMCS can increase the silylation strength of BSTFA and improve derivatization of difficult or less-reactive compounds.

Applications include:

• GC-MS sample preparation
• Metabolomics
• Pharmaceutical analysis
• Steroid analysis
• Carbohydrate analysis

3. Organic Synthesis

Trimethylchlorosilane is an important reagent in organic synthesis.

Applications include:

• Silyl ether formation
• Functional-group protection
• Activation of nucleophiles
• Silylation reactions
• Organosilicon synthesis

4. Protection of Hydroxyl Groups

TMSCl can be used to introduce trimethylsilyl groups onto suitable alcohols and other hydroxyl-containing compounds.

Applications include:

• Alcohol protection
• Phenol protection
• Carbohydrate chemistry
• Natural-product synthesis
• Synthetic intermediate preparation

5. Pharmaceutical Chemistry

TMSCl is useful in pharmaceutical research for chemical derivatization and synthetic transformations.

Applications include:

• Pharmaceutical intermediate synthesis
• Drug discovery
• Analytical method development
• Compound characterization
• Process chemistry

6. Organosilicon Chemistry

As a chlorosilane, Trimethylchlorosilane is also used as a building block for preparing organosilicon compounds.

Applications include:

• Organosilicon synthesis
• Silicone chemistry
• Functional silane synthesis
• Silicon-containing intermediates
• Materials chemistry

Advantages

• Highly reactive silylating reagent
• Widely used in organic synthesis
• Suitable for GC and GC-MS derivatization
• Useful for introducing trimethylsilyl groups
• Compatible with BSTFA-based derivatization systems
• Useful for protecting hydroxyl functionalities
• Important reagent in organosilicon chemistry
• Suitable for pharmaceutical and analytical research
• Available in high-purity grades

Storage & Handling

• Store in a tightly sealed container.
• Protect from moisture and water.
• Handle under dry conditions.
• Minimize exposure to atmospheric humidity.
• Store in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
• Handle in a suitable fume hood.
• Avoid inhalation of vapors.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Wear appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
• Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
• Do not introduce water directly into the reagent.
• Follow the product-specific SDS for detailed storage, transportation, and disposal requirements.

Trimethylchlorosilane is highly moisture sensitive and reacts with water to produce corrosive hydrogen chloride. It is also a flammable liquid, so appropriate ventilation, dry handling conditions, and ignition-source control are essential.

Research Areas

Trimethylchlorosilane (CAS No. 75-77-4) is used in:

• Organic chemistry
• Analytical chemistry
• Gas chromatography
• GC-MS
• Metabolomics
• Pharmaceutical chemistry
• Medicinal chemistry
• Organosilicon chemistry
• Materials science
• Natural-product synthesis
• Carbohydrate chemistry
• Chemical synthesis

Q1: What is Trimethylchlorosilane?

A: Trimethylchlorosilane is an organosilicon compound with CAS No. 75-77-4, commonly abbreviated as TMSCl or TMCS. It is widely used as a silylating reagent.

Q2: What is Trimethylchlorosilane used for?

A: It is mainly used for trimethylsilylation, GC/GC-MS derivatization, hydroxyl-group protection, organic synthesis, and organosilicon chemistry.

Q3: What is the molecular formula of Trimethylchlorosilane?

A: The molecular formula is C₃H₉ClSi.

Q4: What is the molecular weight of Trimethylchlorosilane?

A: The molecular weight is 108.64 g/mol.

Q5: Is Trimethylchlorosilane the same as Trimethylsilyl Chloride?

A: Yes. Trimethylchlorosilane, Trimethylsilyl Chloride, Chlorotrimethylsilane, TMSCl, and TMCS refer to the same compound, CAS 75-77-4.

Q6: What is TMCS used for in GC-MS?

A: TMCS is used as a silylating reagent and as an additive in derivatization systems. It is particularly well known as an additive to BSTFA to enhance the formation of trimethylsilyl derivatives.

Q7: Is TMCS the same as BSTFA?

A: No. They are different reagents. TMCS is Trimethylchlorosilane (CAS 75-77-4), while BSTFA is N,O-Bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide (CAS 25561-30-2). They can, however, be used together as BSTFA + TMCS.

Q8: Is Trimethylchlorosilane moisture sensitive?

A: Yes. TMSCl reacts readily with moisture and should therefore be handled and stored under dry conditions.