[Chemical Knowledge]：Properties, uses, upstream and downstream raw materials, storage methods, ethyl orthosilicate reagents

Properties of Ethyl Orthosilicate

Tetraethyl orthosilicate (Tetraethyl Orthosilicate, TEOS for short), chemical formula Si(OC₂ Hlocated), is a colorless transparent liquid with ether aroma. TEOS has a density of about 0.933g/cm³, a melting point of -77°C and a boiling point of 168°C. Its molecular weight is 208.33g/mol, has a high refractive index and good fluidity. It is easily hydrolyzed in water to produce silicic acid and ethanol, so it is often necessary to store and use under anhydrous conditions.

Ethyl orthosilicate use

Ethyl orthosilicate is widely used in industry and scientific research. In the coatings industry, it is used as a binder and crosslinking agent to provide hardness and abrasion resistance of coatings. TEOS is the main precursor for the production of silicate esters, which is widely used in the production of silica sol, silica gel and silicate materials. TEOS also has important applications in the semiconductor industry as a silicon source for CVD (chemical vapor deposition) processes for the manufacture of high purity silicon dioxide films. TEOS is also an indispensable precursor in the synthesis of nanomaterials, microporous materials and functional ceramics.

Ortho ethyl silicate upstream and downstream raw materials

The main raw materials for the production of ethyl orthosilicate are sodium silicate and ethanol. Sodium silicate is esterified with ethanol under acidic conditions to produce TEOS and water. Absolute ethanol is usually used to improve the reaction efficiency and yield. By-product water is removed by distillation or other separation methods to obtain pure ethyl orthosilicate.

In the upstream raw material, sodium silicate is the oxide of silicon, which reacts with quartz sand and sodium carbonate at high temperature, while ethanol is produced by fermentation or ethylene hydration. In terms of downstream products, TEOS is the precursor of many important silicon compounds, such as silica sols, silicates, silicones, etc., which are widely used in the fields of electronics, optics, coatings and composite materials.

Tetraethyl orthosilicate production process

The production process of ethyl orthosilicate mainly includes esterification reaction and distillation separation. In the reaction process, sodium silicate is mixed with anhydrous ethanol, and esterification reaction is carried out under the action of catalyst to produce TEOS and by-product water. The reaction temperature is usually controlled at 60-80°C to ensure the reaction rate and product quality. After completion of the reaction, TEOS and unreacted ethanol, water and other impurities were separated by rectification to obtain high-purity ethyl orthosilicate. Modern processes may also employ continuous reactors and advanced separation techniques to improve production efficiency and product purity.

TETHYL ORTHOSILICATE STORAGE METHOD

Ethyl orthosilicate is prone to hydrolysis and oxidation, so its storage requires special attention to moisture and oxygen protection. Generally, it is stored in a well-sealed glass or stainless steel container, and the container should be filled with inert gas (such as nitrogen) to isolate the air. The storage environment should be kept dry and cool, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperature. Storage areas should be kept away from fire sources and oxidizers to prevent accidents.

During use, pay attention to the cleanliness and dryness of the operating environment, and avoid contact with water or moisture to prevent product deterioration. Used containers and equipment should be cleaned in time to avoid residue affecting subsequent use.

Ethyl orthosilicate market prospects

The wide application of tetraethyl orthosilicate in many fields determines the steady growth of its market demand. Especially in the field of electronic and optical materials, with the advancement of technology and the expansion of applications, the demand for high-purity silicon sources is increasing. The rapid development of emerging industries such as nanomaterials and functional ceramics has also brought new growth points to the TEOS market. Although the production process is relatively mature, how to improve product purity and reduce production costs is still the focus of the industry. In the future, with the introduction of green chemical industry and intelligent manufacturing technology, the production and application of tetraethyl orthosilicate will usher in a broader prospect.

Environment and Safety

Tetraethyl orthosilicate in the production and use of the process need to strictly abide by the safety procedures. Its vapor has a certain toxicity, long-term exposure may cause irritation to the respiratory system, skin and eyes. Therefore, operators should wear appropriate protective equipment, such as gloves, protective glasses and face masks, to ensure good ventilation conditions. In the process of transportation and storage, special containers and labels should be used in accordance with the management requirements of hazardous chemicals to prevent leakage and environmental pollution.

Conclusion

As an important organic silicon compound, tetraethyl orthosilicate plays an important role in modern industry because of its excellent chemical properties and wide application fields. By continuously optimizing production processes and storage methods, product quality and safety in use can be improved. With the continuous emergence of new materials and new technologies, the market demand and application prospects of tetraethyl orthosilicate will be broader. Reasonable planning of upstream and downstream raw material supply chains and promotion of green and intelligent production will help enhance industrial competitiveness and promote the sustainable development of the chemical industry.