FT-Raman spectroscopic investigations of titanium alkoxides with polymerizable organic ligands

Chelating agents are frequently used in sol-gel chemistry to decrease hydro lytic reactivity and uncontrolled precipitation of titanium alkoxides. The use of polymerizable organic compounds as chelating agents allows for the f ormation of copolymers consisting of hybrid inorganic/organic networks. The main task of this study was the analytical characterization of new molecul ar precursors and organically modified titanium oxide films. Methacrylic ac id, itaconic anhydride, isoeugenol, and 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfon ic acid were reacted with titanium isopropoxide and titanium ethoxide to fo rm the corresponding chelated alkoxide sols. Thin sol-gel films of these co mpounds on metal substrates were prepared by dip-coating and studied by Fou rier transform (FT) Raman spectroscopy. The spectra were compared to those of the precursors. By means of their characteristic vibrational hands, the presence of polymerizable groups was detected in the coatings. The systems investigated are capable of acting as adhesive promoters in dental applicat ions.