The Development History and Technological Evolution of Silicone Materials
Chapter 1: The Development Process of Organosilicon Chemistry
1.1 Founding Period (1863-1903)
The foundational work in organosilicon chemistry began in the mid to late 19th century. In 1863, French scientists C. Friedel and J.M. Crafts initiated systematic research in this field. They employed a sealed tube heating method, reacting silicon tetrachloride with diethyl zinc at 160°C, successfully synthesizing the first organosilicon compound containing Si-C bonds—tetraethylsilane. This groundbreaking discovery laid the experimental foundation for subsequent studies. In 1885, chemist Polis further expanded synthesis methods through Wurtz reactions, successfully preparing aromatic compounds of silicon. During this period, researchers also developed various derivatives such as ethyl chlorosilane, ethyl ethoxy chlorosilane, and phenyl chlorosilane. These pioneering works not only confirmed the stability of silicon-carbon bonds but also revealed unique chemical properties of organosilicon compounds. It is noteworthy that research during this period was primarily limited to the synthesis and characterization of small molecular compounds. Although some polymerization phenomena were observed by researchers at that time, they were often overlooked due to contemporary understanding limitations; these polymers were frequently regarded as experimental byproducts. Despite these limitations reflecting insufficient recognition within the chemical theoretical framework regarding macromolecular compounds during the 19th century, four decades of exploration established fundamental synthetic methodologies and theoretical foundations for organosilicon chemistry recognized by academia as its first developmental stage.
1.2 Growth Period (1904-1937)
In the early 20th century, British scientist F.S.Kipping's work marked a transition into systematic research in organosilicon chemistry. In 1904 he innovatively reacted Grignard reagents with silicon tetrachloride to synthesize dimethyl dichlorosilane successfully; this achievement provided a more efficient synthetic pathway while discovering key monomers capable of forming polymeric frameworks. Over his subsequent forty-five-year career in research Kipping systematically studied property differences among various organosilanes publishing fifty-four milestone papers on them. This period saw three significant breakthroughs in theoretical study: First clarified essential electronic structure differences between silicon atoms and carbon atoms including atomic radius electronegativity coordination ability etc.; secondly discovered special abilities for forming d-pπ bonds explaining structural bases behind exceptional stability found within Si-O bonds; lastly conducted asymmetric synthesis studies opening new directions towards stereoselective syntheses expanding from simple molecules toward cyclic linear polysilanes gradually recognizing importance concerning hydrolytic condensation reactions forming Si-O-Si backbones therein too! Although Kipping established basic theoretical systems surrounding organic silicate science he underestimated application potentials believing incorrectly those materials couldn’t compete effectively against carbon-based counterparts delaying industrialization processes somewhat accordingly despite having laid solid groundwork leading up towards second phase development acknowledged academically thereafter!