EP2639236A1 — Alternative methods for the synthesis of organosilicon compounds

USPTO Abstract

A method of forming chloro-substituted silanes from the reaction of an alkoxy-or acetoxy-substituted silane with a chlorinating agent in the optional presence of a catalyst is provided. For instance, chloro-substituted silanes, including but not limited to silicon tetrachloride, are formed by reacting a chlorinating agent, such as thionyl chloride, with an alkoxysilane having the formula (R'O) 4-x SiR x , where R and R' are independently selected alkyl groups comprising one or more carbon atoms and x is 0, 1, 2, or 3. The catalyst may be dimethylformamide, (chloromethylene)dimethyliminium chloride, or triethylamine, among others. The chloro-substituted silane formed in the reaction along with several by-products has the formula (R'O) 4-x- ySiR x Cl y ; where x is 0, 1, 2, or 3 and y is 1, 2, 3, or 4. One of the by-products of the reaction is an alkyl chloride.