Trimethoxysilane

Chemical properties

Colorless clear liquid

The Uses of Trimethoxysilane

Trimethoxysilane is used as a catalyst in the hydrogenation of furfural to furfuryl alcohol.

General Description

A colorless liquid. Slightly soluble in water and denser than water. Hence floats on water. Very toxic by ingestion, inhalation or skin absorption. May also be corrosive to skin and eyes.

Air & Water Reactions

Highly flammable. Slightly soluble in water.

Reactivity Profile

Trimethoxysilane may accumulate static electricity; hazardous polymerization may occur.

Health Hazard

May cause toxic effects if inhaled or ingested/swallowed. Contact with substance may cause severe burns to skin and eyes. Fire will produce irritating, corrosive and/or toxic gases. Vapors may cause dizziness or suffocation. Runoff from fire control or dilution water may cause pollution.

Fire Hazard

Flammable/combustible material. May be ignited by heat, sparks or flames. Vapors may form explosive mixtures with air. Vapors may travel to source of ignition and flash back. Most vapors are heavier than air. They will spread along ground and collect in low or confined areas (sewers, basements, tanks). Vapor explosion hazard indoors, outdoors or in sewers. Runoff to sewer may create fire or explosion hazard. Containers may explode when heated. Many liquids are lighter than water.

Flammability and Explosibility

Flammable

Safety Profile

Moderately toxic by inhalation. Mildly toxic by ingestion and skin contact. When heated to decomposition it emits acrid smoke and irritating fumes.

Purification Methods

Likely impurities are Si(OMe)4 and H2Si(OMe)2. Efficient fractionation is essential for removing these impurities [IR: Sternbach & MacDiarmid J Am Chem Soc 81 5109 1959, Heilfrich & Hausen Chem Ber 57 795 1924, Beilstein 1 IV 1266.]