Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)

Apr. 16, 2025

Ⅰ. Product Introduction


Chemical name: 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane

English Name: 3-Isocyanatopropyltrimethoxysilane

Molecular formula: C 7 H 15 NO 4 Si

Molecular weight: 205.2

CAS No.: 15396-00-6

Chemical structure:

-Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Domestic and foreign brands and suppliers:


Product BrandForeign Suppliers
A-Link 35Momentive Performance Materials
GF40Wacker
KBM-9007Shin-Etsu
SiSiB® PC2720SiSiB Silicone

1.Structural characteristics of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane:

 

Isocyanate group (-NCO): One end of the molecule contains an active isocyanate group, which undergoes addition reaction with the hydroxyl or amino group of organic matter and has high reactivity.

Trimethoxysilane group (-Si(OCH3)3): The other end of the molecule is a trimethoxysilane group, which can undergo condensation reaction with hydroxyl groups on the surface of inorganic materials (such as glass and metal oxides) to form a stable silicon-oxygen bond.

Propyl linker: The isocyanate group and the trimethoxysilane group are connected by a propyl chain, providing some molecular flexibility.

Molecular skeleton: CH3O- Si(-OCH3)2-(CH2)3-NCO


Three-dimensional structural characteristics :

Isocyanate group: strong polarity and high reactivity.

Silane groups: form strong bonds on the surface of materials through hydrolysis and condensation.

Propyl chain: provides a bridge between organic and inorganic groups, improving the flexibility and compatibility of the material.


Physical properties:


indexTypical Value
AppearanceColorless transparent liquid
Density (ρ20), g/cm31.080
Boiling point (760 mmHg), ℃210
Refractive index (nD25)1.4150-1.4250


Ⅱ. Solubility of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane:


Factors affecting solubility due to chemical structure


Isocyanate group (-NCO):

It is a polar functional group and can form strong intermolecular forces with other polar solvents (such as ketones, esters, and alcohols). Therefore, it has good solubility in polar organic solvents.

However, isocyanate groups easily react with water to form urea groups, so their solubility in water is limited and they need to be avoided from contact with moisture.


Trimethoxysilane group (-Si(OCH₃)₃):

The trimethoxysilane group is part of the silicone structure and can be hydrolyzed to form silanols. It has a certain hydrophilicity, but its solubility will be reduced after hydrolysis.

It has better solubility in alcohol solvents because alcohol can interact with methoxy groups.


Propyl Chain:

It provides a certain hydrophobicity, affects the overall polarity of the molecule, and makes it show a certain solubility in some low-polarity solvents.


So its solubility can be described as:

Well soluble solvents:

Polar organic solvents such as acetone, toluene, ethyl acetate, alcohols (such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol).

Non-polar organic solvents such as cyclohexane and n-hexane (weaker solubility but still somewhat compatible).


Limited or no solubility in solvents:

Water: The solubility in water is very low, but the isocyanate groups will react with water to form carbon dioxide and urea compounds.

Strong polar solvents such as dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF): Although they are soluble, they may react with isocyanate groups.


Notes for use:

Avoid prolonged contact with water or moisture to prevent hydrolysis and reaction failure.

When dissolving, choose a dry, anhydrous organic solvent and operate in a low-humidity environment.


Ⅲ. Mechanism of action of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane

The dual chemical reactivity of the isocyanate group (-NCO) and the trimethoxysilane group (-Si(OCH₃)₃) in its structure mainly involves the following two aspects:

1. Reaction mechanism of isocyanate group

Core reaction characteristics: Isocyanate group (-NCO) is a highly reactive functional group that easily reacts with compounds containing active hydrogen (such as alcohols, amines, carboxylic acids, phenols, etc.) to form stable covalent bonds.

Main reactions:

Reaction with amines:Produce urea compounds.

-NCO +R-NH2→ R-NH-C(=O)-NH-R'

Reaction with alcohols: Produces urethane (polyurethane) structures.

-NCO+R-OH→R-O-C(=O)-R'

Reaction with Water: Rapidly hydrolyzes in a humid environment, releasing carbon dioxide.

-NCO+H2O→R-NH+CO₂↑



2. Reaction mechanism of trimethoxysilane group

Core reaction characteristics: Trimethoxysilane groups can hydrolyze in the presence of water to form silanols (-Si-OH). Silanols can condense with other silanols or hydroxyl groups on inorganic surfaces to form silicon-oxygen bonds (Si-O-Si), thereby bonding to the surface of inorganic materials.

Main reactions:

1) Hydrolysis reaction: -Si(OCH3)3+3H2O →-Si(OH)3+3CH3OH

2) Condensation reaction: -Si(OH)з+HO-Si→-Si-O-Si-+H₂O


3. Overall mechanism of action


Bifunctional bridge connection:

The molecule realizes the combination of organic and inorganic phases through the functional groups at both ends:

1) Isocyanate groups react with active groups in organic materials (such as polymers, resins, etc.) to form stable chemical bonds.

2) The trimethoxysilane group forms a strong bond with the surface of inorganic materials (such as glass, ceramics, metal oxides, etc.) through hydrolysis and condensation.


Interface modification:

The compound can be used as a silane coupling agent to enhance the interfacial bonding force between organic and inorganic materials and improve the mechanical properties, thermal stability and moisture resistance of the composite material.


4. Principles in practical applications

Coatings and adhesives: Used as coupling agent to improve the adhesion between substrate, coating and adhesive layer.

Composites: Improving interfacial bonding strength in glass fiber reinforced composites.

Polyurethane modification: used for the functionalization of polyurethane materials to improve the weather resistance and mechanical properties of the materials.


Ⅳ. Application:

 

As a functional silane coupling agent, 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane is mainly used to improve the interface properties between organic and inorganic materials. Its traditional uses include:

Coatings and Adhesives :

As an adhesion promoter, it enhances the adhesion of coatings or adhesive layers on inorganic surfaces such as glass, metal, and ceramics.

Especially in polyurethane coatings and epoxy resin systems, isocyanate groups react with active hydrogen to improve interfacial bonding.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Innovative applications of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane:


With the development of functional materials and advanced manufacturing technologies, the application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane in new fields continues to expand:


Nanocomposites:

Applied to nanofiller modification, nano-silica, nano-alumina, etc. are evenly dispersed in the polymer matrix through the action of coupling agent to prepare high-performance composite materials.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


3D Printing Materials:

Used in 3D printing resin systems as an active additive to improve the bonding strength between printed layers and the mechanical properties of the finished product.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Biomedical Materials:

As part of a functional coating to enhance the bond between biomaterials and metal implants, such as surface modification of orthopedic implants.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


New energy field:

Applied to lithium battery separators or electrolyte coatings to improve interface stability and heat resistance, and enhance battery cycle life and safety performance.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


High temperature resistant composite materials:

In aerospace and high-temperature sealing materials, it is used as a modifier to improve the high and low temperature resistance and thermal oxidation stability of the material.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Smart functional coatings:

Used for the preparation of special functional coatings such as self-cleaning, antifouling, and antibacterial, and the strong bonding between the coating and the substrate is achieved through coupling agents.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Environmentally friendly materials:

Used to develop low VOC (volatile organic compounds) environmentally friendly coatings to optimize construction performance and environmental friendliness.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


New optical materials:

Used in optical resin materials to enhance light transmittance and improve the stability of optical properties, and is suitable for making high-performance lenses and display components.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Composite Materials:

Used in glass fiber reinforced plastics (FRP) and mineral filler reinforced composite materials to improve the interface bonding between inorganic fillers and organic resins, and to enhance mechanical strength and durability.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Elastomers and sealants:

Used in polyurethane elastomers and sealants, it can enhance the wear resistance, flexibility and adhesion to various substrates through coupling effect, thereby improving the sealing and durability of the product.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Plastic modification:

Modified polymers, such as polyolefins and polyamides, can be improved in durability and mechanical properties in humid environments through the action of coupling agents, thus broadening their application range.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Textile and Paper Processing:

It is used to enhance the adhesion and tear resistance of textile fibers or paper surfaces. Through coupling agent treatment, it can improve the bonding strength between fibers or paper and coatings, adhesives and other materials, thereby improving the durability and aesthetics of the product.

Structure determines performance! In-depth analysis of the structure, performance, application and innovative application of 3-isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane(HC-IM6314)


Ⅴ. Final Thoughts


3-Isocyanatepropyltrimethoxysilane has played an important role in traditional applications due to its unique chemical activity, and driven by modern technology, it has great potential for innovative applications in new energy, smart materials, nanotechnology and other fields. This functional silane has become an important tool for improving material performance and expanding the scope of material applications, providing strong support for the development of multiple industries.





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