Synthesis, Characterization, and Reaction of Divinyl-Substituted Laddersiloxanes

Abstract Purpose Silsesquioxanes with well-defined structures have been of great interest recently because of their superior properties. Among them, laddersiloxanes (ladder-type silsesquioxanes with defined structure) were less explored because step-by-step synthesis is usually necessary. In order to investigate the properties of laddersiloxane, and apply these compounds to the monomers of high function materials, we prepared laddersiloxanes with reactive vinyl groups.MethodsThe target compounds were obtained in a two-step reaction from commercially available alkoxysilanes, and total yields were good. Three stereoisomers included in the products were fully investigated by spectroscopic methods and structures were determined. ResultsAs an extension of our previous research of constructing new laddersiloxanes, here we will describe the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of novel divinyl-substituted laddersiloxanes. Further transformation of all products proceeded smoothly, and extended laddersiloxanes were obtained by hydrosilylation. One of the isomers was isolated and the structure was determined unequivocally by X-ray analysis. ConclusionThe laddersiloxanes described here have two reactive vinyl groups at each end of the molecule. Various reactions including hydrosilylation, polymerization, or olefin metathesis are possible, thus these compounds can be potential monomers for highly functionalized materials.