Methyltrichlorosilane (HC-CM2368) : The "silicon-based engine" from basic chemicals to high-end materials ------ Methyltrichlorosilane - not only a chemical, but also a catalyst for industrial upgrading!

   Methyltrichlorosilane is an important organosilicon intermediate and plays an indispensable role in the field of organosilicon materials. It is a colorless, transparent liquid with a pungent odor, volatile, and sensitive to humidity. It will hydrolyze to produce hydrochloric acid in humid air, so strict storage and operating conditions are required. Methyltrichlorosilane is widely used in the synthesis of various organosilicon polymers, surface treatment agents, waterproofing agents, anti-adhesive agents, etc. due to its unique chemical properties and reactivity, playing a key role in multiple industries.

Ⅰ. Properties of methyltrichlorosilane:

Methyltrichlorosilane is a typical compound with a silicon-chlorine bond. This silicon-chlorine bond is very active and easily undergoes hydrolysis, alcoholysis, aminolysis and other reactions. This is why it is used as a key intermediate in the synthesis of silicone materials.

Physical properties:

The chemical formula is CH₃SiCl₃

CAS No.: 75-79-6

Molecular weight: 149.48

Appearance: Colorless transparent liquid

Boiling point: 66.4 °C

Melting point: -78 °C

Density: 1.275 g/cm³ (20 °C)

Refractive index: 1.4081 (20 °C)

Flash point: -18 °C (closed cup)

Solubility: Soluble in organic solvents such as benzene, ether, carbon tetrachloride, etc., and rapidly hydrolyzed in water

Vapor pressure: 104 mmHg (20 °C)

Ⅱ. Synthesis process: transformation from silica sand to high value-added products

1. Mainstream industrial production method (direct synthesis method)

Raw materials: silicon powder (purity> 98%), methyl chloride (CH₃Cl)

Reaction: 

Process highlights:

Fluidized bed technology increases silicon powder utilization to 90%;

The by-product dimethyldichlorosilane (10–15%) can be recycled for silicone rubber production.

2. Green process breakthrough

Electrochemical synthesis:

In the electrolysis of silicon metal and methyl chloride in aprotic solvent, the reaction temperature was reduced to 150°C, and the energy consumption was reduced by 40%;

Bio-based raw materials:

Replacing fossil raw materials with lignin-derived methanol reduces carbon footprint by 35% (experimental phase).

Ⅲ. Application fields of methyltrichlorosilane

1. Synthesis and modification of silicone monomers: the basis of silicone oil, silicone rubber and silicone resin

One of the main applications of methyltrichlorosilane is as an important monomer for the synthesis of various silicone polymers . By controlling different reaction conditions, such as hydrolysis and polycondensation, MTCS can be copolymerized with other silicone monomers (such as dimethyldichlorosilane, phenyltrichlorosilane, etc.) to generate a series of silicone polymers with different properties, including silicone oil, silicone rubber and silicone resin.

Silicone oil: Silicone oil has excellent high and low temperature resistance, chemical inertness, electrical insulation, lubricity and mold release properties. Silicone oil prepared with MTCS as raw material can be used in many fields, such as:

Lubricants: Used for lubrication of various mechanical equipment, especially suitable for extreme temperature or corrosive environments.

Hydraulic oil: provides stable working pressure in the hydraulic system and has good shear resistance and oxidation resistance.

Defoaming agent: used to suppress or eliminate foam in the production process, improve production efficiency and product quality.

Release agent: used to prevent the mold and molding material from sticking together, facilitate demoulding, and improve production efficiency.

Cosmetics: Used in cosmetics and personal care products as a moisturizer, softener and film former.

Silicone rubber: Silicone rubber is widely used in various fields due to its excellent high and low temperature resistance, weather resistance, electrical insulation, physiological inertness and excellent physical and mechanical properties. MTCS, as an important crosslinking agent and modifier, plays a key role in the synthesis of silicone rubber. For example:

Sealing materials: used for sealing of various equipment, including automobiles, aerospace, construction and other fields.

Wire and cable insulation: Provides excellent electrical insulation and heat resistance.

Medical devices: Due to its physiological inertness, it can be used to manufacture medical catheters, artificial organs, etc.

Food grade silicone rubber: used to make food molds, baby pacifiers, etc., safe and non-toxic.

Silicone resin: Silicone resin has excellent heat resistance, weather resistance, electrical insulation, hydrophobicity and chemical stability, and is widely used in various coatings, adhesives and composite materials. MTCS can improve the hardness, heat resistance and adhesion of the resin in the synthesis of silicone resin. For example:

Heat-resistant coatings: used for high-temperature equipment, ovens, chimneys, etc., to provide long-term heat protection.

Electrical insulation coating: used in motors, electrical appliances, etc., providing excellent electrical insulation performance.

Adhesive: used for bonding electronic components, glass, ceramics and other materials.

Copper clad laminate: As the base material of copper clad laminate, it provides excellent electrical properties and heat resistance.

2. Surface treatment agent: giving materials new functional properties

Methyltrichlorosilane can be used as an important surface treatment agent. It forms a thin film on the surface of the material through chemical bonding, changing the surface properties of the material, such as hydrophobicity, oleophobicity, corrosion resistance, and anti-adhesion.

Hydrophobic treatment: MTCS can make the surface of the material have excellent hydrophobicity, preventing water molecules from staying on its surface, thus playing a role in waterproofing and moisture-proofing. For example, hydrophobic treatment for building materials can extend their service life; hydrophobic treatment for textiles can make them waterproof and breathable.

Oleophobic treatment: MTCS can make the surface of the material oleophobic, prevent oil stains from adhering to its surface, and facilitate cleaning. For example, oleophobic treatment for kitchen utensils and tableware can make them easy to clean; oleophobic treatment for optical lenses can reduce the adhesion of fingerprints and oil stains.

Anti-corrosion treatment: MTCS can form a dense protective film on the metal surface to prevent the erosion of corrosive media, thereby improving the corrosion resistance of the metal. For example, it is used for anti-corrosion treatment of metal structures such as ships, bridges, and pipelines.

Anti-adhesion treatment: MTCS can make the surface of the material anti-adhesive and prevent other substances from adhering to its surface. For example, anti-adhesion treatment for molds can facilitate demoulding; anti-adhesion treatment for conveyor belts can prevent material adhesion.

3. Organic synthesis intermediates: building complex organic molecular structures

As an important organic synthesis intermediate, methyltrichlorosilane can participate in various organic reactions, such as silylation reaction and Grignard reaction, and is used to synthesize organic molecules with specific functions.

Silylation reaction: MTCS can undergo silanization reaction with other organic compounds, introduce silicon atoms, and change the properties of organic compounds. For example, it can be used to protect functional groups such as hydroxyl and carboxyl groups from being affected in subsequent reactions; it can be used to synthesize organosilicon compounds with specific properties, such as organosilane coupling agents.

Grignard reaction: MTCS can react with Grignard reagents to generate organosilicon compounds with specific structures. For example, it can be used to synthesize methylsilane with specific substituents, and then synthesize organosilicon polymers with specific properties.

4. Emerging application areas: photoresist, lithium-ion batteries and nanomaterials

With the continuous development of science and technology, methyltrichlorosilane has also shown great application potential in some emerging fields.

Photoresist: Photoresist is one of the key materials in the semiconductor manufacturing process. MTCS can be used as a component of photoresist to improve the resolution and etching resistance of photoresist, thereby manufacturing smaller and faster chips.

Lithium-ion battery: MTCS can be used as an electrolyte additive for lithium-ion batteries to improve the battery's cycle performance and safety. It can inhibit the decomposition of the electrolyte and reduce polarization, thereby improving the battery's performance.

Nanomaterials: MTCS can be used to modify the surface of nanomaterials to give them specific functions. For example, it can be used to modify the surface of nanoparticles to improve their dispersibility, stability and compatibility with other materials.

5. The main purpose is to use it as a raw material for the production of fumed silica and methyltrimethoxysilane.

Ⅳ. Summary and Outlook

Methyltrichlorosilane plays an important role in organosilicon polymer synthesis, surface treatment, organic synthesis and emerging application fields due to its unique molecular structure and excellent reactivity. From basic chemicals to the cornerstone of cutting-edge technology, the application field of MTCS continues to expand, providing strong support for the development of various industries.

With the advancement of science and technology and the continuous improvement of people's requirements for material performance, the demand for MTCS will continue to grow. In the future, the research direction of MTCS will focus more on the following aspects:

Develop more efficient and environmentally friendly synthesis processes: reduce production costs and reduce environmental pollution.

Develop new silicone monomers and polymers to meet the needs of different application fields.

Expand the application of MTCS in emerging fields: for example, biomedicine, new energy, environmental protection, etc.

I believe that in the future development, methyltrichlorosilane will continue to play its important role and make greater contributions to the development of human society.

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