| abstract |
Silicon and aluminum complexes having following formula (I), (II) or (III), wherein x is 0 or 1, T is H or (IV), each R is independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, C1-6 alkyl, C1-6 alkoxy, C2-6 alkene, C6-12 aryl, C1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C1-6 thioalkyl, C2-12 alkoxyalkyl, C3-20 heteroaromatic, and combinations thereof, wherein R may further contain one or more atoms of a non-carbon element such as Si, Ge, Sn, P, and the like; Y is a cation, and Z is a multivalent cation, are prepared by reacting silica or alumina with a diol, in the presence of a base, while removing water formed during the reaction. Methods for producing such complexes starting with silica or alumina, and methods for converting such complexes into other silicon or aluminum-containing compounds, are disclosed. |