Siloxane

Siloxanes are a class of organosilicon compounds with the empirical formula R2SiO, where R is an organic group. Representative examples are [SiO(CH3)2]n (dimethylsiloxane) and [SiO(C6H5)2]n (diphenylsiloxane), where n is typically > 4. These compounds can be viewed as a hybrid of both organic and inorganic chemical compounds. The organic side chains confer hydrophobic properties while the -Si-O-Si-O- backbone is purely inorganic.

The word siloxane is derived from the words Silicon, Oxygen, and alkane.

Siloxanes can be found in products such as cosmetics, deodorant, water repelling windshield coatings, food additives such as those used in certain McDonalds fast food products, and some soaps. They occur in landfill gas and are being evaluated as alternatives to perchloroethylene for drycleaning. Perchloroethylene is widely considered environmentally undesirable.

Polymerized siloxanes are commonly known as silicones, although this name is somewhat of a misnomer. A true silicone group has a double bond between oxygen and silicon (hence the derivation of the word silicone from ketone), and polymerized siloxanes do not contain such groups. Accordingly, polysiloxane is the preferred name of such compounds among chemists

External link

 * EPA report: Siloxane D5 in Dry-cleaning