Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science
Silicone polymers have siloxane bonds, which are more stable than the carbon-carbon bonds generally used in high molecular compounds. By changing the reactant used, its physical properties can be changed. Silicone polymers are used in a wide variety of applications, making them extremely important materials for our daily lives and society.
Dimethyldichlorosilane is an important material for synthesizing this silicone polymer. This molecule is produced industrially in the Rochow reaction, which involves heating methyl chloride with a silicon and copper catalyst. However, the details of the reaction process have not been sufficiently studied, because this reaction is complex and the many by-products are made. Focusing on the interaction between methyl chloride and the surface, I use a device that can control the orientation and velocity and a model surface whose structure is known to clarify the elementary process of the reaction. I would like to develop new catalysts based on this.