Hexamethyldisilazane is a chemical compound that plays a significant role in various everyday applications. It is commonly used in industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and semiconductors as a key ingredient in the synthesis of silicon-based materials. Additionally, it is utilized in laboratory settings as a reagent for selective silylation reactions, which are essential in organic synthesis and analytical chemistry. Furthermore, Hexamethyldisilazane is utilized as a protective coating in the preservation of artworks, as well as in the manufacturing of textiles and plastics. Its versatile properties make it an indispensable component in numerous consumer products and industrial processes.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Hexamethyldisilazane, a chemical compound with the molecular formula (CH3)3SiNHSi(CH3)3, finds several commercial and industrial applications due to its unique properties. It is commonly used as a silylating agent for analytical chemistry purposes, particularly in gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Hexamethyldisilazane is also employed in the production of silicon-based materials and coatings, as well as in the semiconductor industry for surface modification of substrates.
In the field of drug development and medications, Hexamethyldisilazane plays a crucial role as a protecting group for various functional groups in organic synthesis. It is commonly utilized in pharmaceutical research and development to selectively modify certain chemical functionalities in drug molecules without affecting other parts of the molecule. Hexamethyldisilazane’s ability to protect reactive functional groups during the synthesis of complex pharmaceutical compounds contributes significantly to the advancement of novel drug discovery and formulation strategies in the pharmaceutical industry.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Hexamethyldisilazane is a colorless liquid with a faint ammonia-like odor. It has a chemical formula of C6H19NSi2 and is commonly used as a reagent in organic synthesis processes.
With a molar mass of 161.39 g/mol and a density of 0.769 g/cm3, hexamethyldisilazane is significantly lighter than common food items such as bread (molar mass around 150-200 g/mol, density around 0.9-1.2 g/cm3). This makes it less dense than most food items.
Hexamethyldisilazane has a melting point of -88°C and a boiling point of 125°C. Compared to common food items like sugar (melting point around 160°C) and water (boiling point of 100°C), hexamethyldisilazane exhibits lower melting and boiling points.
This compound is insoluble in water and has a low viscosity, making it different from common food items like salt or sugar which readily dissolve in water and have a higher viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Hexamethyldisilazane is typically produced through the reaction between hexamethyldisilazane and a chlorosilane such as trimethylchlorosilane. This reaction takes place in the presence of a catalyst, such as tin(II) chloride, and the resulting product is purified through distillation or recrystallization processes.
Once produced, Hexamethyldisilazane can be procured from specialty chemical suppliers who cater to industries requiring high-purity chemicals. It is commonly transported in liquid form within sealed containers to prevent contamination or evaporation. Proper handling procedures should be followed to ensure the safe transport of Hexamethyldisilazane.
Upon arrival at its destination, Hexamethyldisilazane should be stored in a cool, dry place away from sources of heat or ignition. It is important to follow recommended storage guidelines to maintain the stability and purity of the compound. Proper labeling and handling procedures should be observed to prevent accidents or exposure to potential hazards.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety Considerations for Hexamethyldisilazane:
Hexamethyldisilazane poses several safety considerations that must be taken into account when handling or working with the compound. Due to its flammable nature, it should be stored and handled with extreme caution to prevent potential fires or explosions. Additionally, hexamethyldisilazane can cause skin and eye irritation upon contact, so proper personal protective equipment should be worn when working with the substance. Furthermore, inhalation of hexamethyldisilazane vapors can result in respiratory irritation, making adequate ventilation essential in areas where the compound is being used.
Hazard Statements for Hexamethyldisilazane:
Hexamethyldisilazane is labeled with several hazard statements to communicate the potential risks associated with the compound. These hazard statements include “Highly flammable liquid and vapor” to warn of the fire risk posed by the substance. Additionally, the compound is labeled with “Causes skin irritation” and “Causes serious eye irritation” to alert individuals to the potential for skin and eye irritation upon contact with hexamethyldisilazane. Finally, the hazard statement “Harmful if inhaled” emphasizes the importance of proper ventilation when working with the compound to avoid respiratory irritation.
Precautionary Statements for Hexamethyldisilazane:
Precautionary statements are important guidelines for safely handling hexamethyldisilazane to minimize the risk of accidents or injuries. These include “Keep away from heat/sparks/open flames/hot surfaces” to prevent potential ignition sources from coming into contact with the flammable compound. “Wear protective gloves/protective clothing/eye protection/face protection” emphasizes the importance of using personal protective equipment to avoid skin and eye irritation. Additionally, “Use only outdoors or in a well-ventilated area” highlights the necessity of proper ventilation when working with hexamethyldisilazane to prevent respiratory irritation from inhaling the vapors.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
One potential research direction for Hexamethyldisilazane is its application as a surface modification agent for various materials, including metals, ceramics, and polymers. This could involve studying the effects of different concentrations and application methods on the resulting surface properties.
Another area of interest could be the use of Hexamethyldisilazane in the synthesis of novel organosilicon compounds with potential applications in materials science, catalysis, and pharmaceuticals. Researchers may explore the reactivity of this compound with different functional groups to generate unique molecular structures.
Furthermore, the investigation of Hexamethyldisilazane as a precursor for silicon-containing thin films and coatings could be a promising avenue for research. By optimizing deposition parameters and exploring potential applications in the microelectronics and optoelectronics industries, researchers could uncover new possibilities for this compound’s utility.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Hexamethyldisilazane is Hexamethyldisiloxane, which contains the same hexamethylsilazane core but with oxygen atoms replacing the nitrogen atoms. This compound is used as a lubricant, waterproofing agent, and in the production of silicone rubbers.
Another related compound is Trimethylsilyl trifluoromethanesulfonate, which contains a trimethylsilyl group attached to a trifluoromethanesulfonate group. This compound is commonly used as a protecting group in organic synthesis to mask hydroxyl or amino groups during reactions.
A third compound similar to Hexamethyldisilazane is Tris(dimethylamino)methylsilane, which features a tris(dimethylamino)methyl group bound to a silicon atom. This compound is utilized as a precursor in chemical vapor deposition processes for producing silicon-containing films.
