GB1253274A - Production of alkyl silicates by electrolysis - Google Patents

Abstract

1,253,274. Alkyl silicates. MONSANTO CHEMICAL Ltd. 19 Jan., 1970 [11 Feb., 1969], No. 7342/69. Addition to 1,136,016. Headings C3S and C3T. [Also in Divisions C6-C7] Alkyl silicates are produced electrolytically using as electrolyte a solution in a monohydric alcohol having 1-3 carbon atoms, i.e. methanol, ethanol, propanol or a mixture thereof, of an acid or a metal salt which renders the electrolyte conductive and not more than 3% water based on the alcohol content, and using an anode comprising silicon, e.g. material of semiconductor grade or ferrosilicon. The acid or salt present may be sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid, zinc chloride, cupric sulphate nickel sulphate, magnesium sulphate, zinc sulphate or ferric sulphate. The electrolyte may also contain a ketone, e.g. acetone, an ether or an ester. The cathode may be of graphite platinum or silver; and direct or rectified A.C. current may be used, with or without smoothing. An inert atmosphere, e.g. of nitrogen may be used. Electrolysis may be followed by neutralization and distillation. In the example given the products comprised mainly straight chain and branch chain polysilicates and a little tetraethyl orthosilicate