Use this URL to cite or link to this record in EThOS: https://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.343809
Title: Novel materials based on functionalised silsesquioxanes
Author: Hardy, Julie
ISNI:       0000 0001 3531 6249
Awarding Body: Open University
Current Institution: Open University
Date of Award: 2001
Availability of Full Text:
Access from EThOS:
Access from Institution:
Abstract:
The functionalisation of silsesquioxanes results in materials with novel physical properties. A series of compounds has been coupled with silsesquioxanes [HSiO3/2]8 and [SiO3/2]8 [OSi(CH3)2H]8 and the properties of the products investigated. Typically, coupling reactions involved hydrosilylation with H2PtCl6 or [Pt{(η-ViMe2Si)2O}(PtBu3)]. Mesogenic compounds have been shown to undergo a change in the liquid crystalline phase produced, once attached to the silsesquioxane core. A more ordered phase was observed due to the tethering of the mesogen to the cage. The silsesquioxanes core was considered to have been deformed in the production of this phase. Silsesquioxanes capable of complexing metal atoms have also been studied. Polyether derivatised cages were prepared and preliminary studies indicate potential for potassium complexation. Vinyl functionalised silsesquioxanes have also been shown to complex platinum, in an exchange reaction with [Pt{(η-ViMe2Si)2O}(PtBu3)]. Investigations into the hydrosilylation reaction have involved coupling triethylsilane, triethoxysilane and the silsesquioxanes with a variety of vinyl, allyl and alkenic compounds. The proportions of α and β adducts were considered. Particular substituents were found to encourage α addition, with species having an oxygen or phenyl group at the allylic position producing the α-regioisomer as well as the typical β product. It is suggested that such substitution affects the mode of cis ligand insertion in the Chalk Harrod mechanism. A preference for the α-regioisomer was also observed for the hydrosilylations of vinyl silsesquioxane compounds.
Supervisor: Not available Sponsor: Not available
Qualification Name: Thesis (Ph.D.) Qualification Level: Doctoral
EThOS ID: uk.bl.ethos.343809  DOI:
Keywords: Liquid crystals; Polyethers; Hydrosilylation
Share: