FORMATION OF Q8M10([(CH3)3SIO]10SI8O11) FROM QM4([(CH3)3SIO]4SI), OLIVINE AND DIOPTASE

The preparation of three-dimensional silicate organosiloxane hybrids by the controlled polymerisation of monosilicic acids derived from silicate minerals such as olivine has been studied. A two-stage reaction process, for the formation of {[(CH3)3SiO]10Si8O11} [Q8M10; Q = SiO4/2, M = (CH3)3SiO1/2)] has been outlined, which includes silicic acid polymerisation and polyorganosiloxane (QM polymer) redistributions. The structure of Q8M10 has been characterised and shown to be a major product of the partial trimethylsilylation of the minerals olivine or dioptase.