FT-Raman spectroscopic investigations on the organic crosslinking in hybrid polymers. Part I: Model reactions of simple epoxides

Epoxypropane and epoxyhexane are used in model reactions to analyze the rin g opening in epoxy silane-based sol-gel-derived hybrid polymers by means of Fourier transform (FT)-Raman and C-13 NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) spe ctroscopy. The reactions with sodium methylate yield the methyl ethers. The behavior during the set-gel process is analyzed by using a mixture of epos yalkane, tetramethoxysilane, and aluminum sec-butylate. The reaction produc t depends on the molar ratio of methanol and water during the reaction. Ass ignments for Raman and NMR bands of some products are given.