Synthesis and characterization of new stable α,ω-organo(bis-silanetriols)

Synthesis and characterization of the first stable alpha,omega-bis(silanetriols) containing phenylene, biphenylene, alpha,omega-bis(phenylene)vinylene, alpha,omega-bis(phenylene)ethynylene, and alpha,omega-bis(phenylene)buta-1,3-diynylene organic bridging groups are described. They were obtained by controlled hydrolysis of the corresponding bis(trialkoxysilyl) precursors. An alternative route involving phase-transfer catalysis is also reported. These solids were organized as layers. The triol end groups formed hydrophilic layers, whereas the body of the sheets corresponded to hydrophobic layers. The distance between two neighboring hydrophilic layers was directly related to the length of the organic group; nevertheless, the packing was induced by the hydrogen-bond network.