Folks in chemistry circles noticed a clear need for organosilicon building blocks back in the early to mid-1900s. The rise of silicone polymers made silane chemistry big news in research labs and manufacturers’ workshops. The search for reactive groups on silicon atoms put a spotlight on clever molecules such as chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane, which chemists began probing for new methods of introducing functional handles onto Si atoms. Silicon-based intermediates like this one gained traction in organic synthesis, surface engineering, and materials science, growing in popularity right alongside silicones in personal care, electronics, and protective coatings.
Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane stands out as a specialty intermediate. Its formula—C5H13ClOSi—speaks to both flexibility and reactivity. Besides the silicon, the structure carries one chloromethyl group, two methyls, and a methoxy, making it a favorite for chemists looking to graft new features onto silicon-based backbones. People interested in making crosslinked siloxanes or customized polysiloxanes reach for it because that chlorine atom switches out easily in nucleophilic reactions, while the methoxy kicks off hydrolysis in the presence of moisture or strong acid.
As a colorless liquid at room temperature, this compound comes with a sharp, sometimes irritating odor. Boiling point hovers near 112-117°C, with a melting point that drops well below freezing, making for easy handling in the lab so long as one stays out of poorly ventilated corners. Density lands at around 1.017 g/mL, and the vapor pressure signals enough volatility to warrant fume hood operations. Solubility runs low in water given that hydrolysis proceeds rapidly, splitting the molecule into silanols and methanol as side products. Reactivity picks up around nucleophiles—amines, alcohols, and even water—where the chloro and methoxy groups act as exits for new functional units to join the silicon.
On bottles and containers from reputable suppliers, you spot labels reading “97% pure” or higher, along with hazard codes for corrosive and flammable materials. CAS number 2212-10-4 serves as the main identifier on regulatory paperwork. Detailed safety information refers to rapid hydrolysis, potential for toxic byproducts, and the need for airtight glassware since silicon compounds rarely last long in plastic, which can degrade over time. Accurate labeling becomes paramount, with content on storage temperature (usually 2-8°C), batch numbers, shipping class, and emergency handling. Regulatory compliance requires Safety Data Sheets that detail the fire, health, and reactivity hazards, as well as steps for first aid and proper disposal.
Manufacturers tend to favor the hydrosilylation route, where dimethylmethoxysilane reacts with chloromethyl-containing agents under controlled temperatures and with metal catalysts, commonly platinum complexes. Some labs go for a Grignard approach by reacting dimethylchlorosilane with iodomethane and then treating the resulting intermediate with methanol. Either way, chemists follow strict temperature protocols to limit side reactions. Professional setups come with distillation and inert atmosphere lines, since both oxygen and moisture skew the outcome, producing gels or sticky residues. Purification often depends on vacuum distillation, removing unreacted materials and low-boiling contaminants, providing a clean fraction ready for downstream work.
Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane shows its value in forming silane couplers and surface modifiers. The chloromethyl group becomes a launchpad for nucleophilic substitution, where amines, phenols, or thiols replace the chlorine. Chemists leverage this trait when tethering organic groups onto glass or metal oxides, prepping surfaces for improved bonding to paints, adhesives, or resins. The methoxy moiety undergoes hydrolysis followed by condensation, creating siloxane bonds that knit together polymer chains or coat nanoparticles. Possibilities open up for crosslinked polymers, functional membranes, and tailored surface coatings. In research, modifying the aromatic rings using the chloromethyl handle introduces specialty ligands or crosslinkers into complex architectures.
Searching online catalogs reveals a handful of variations and aliases: “(Chloromethyl)dimethylmethoxysilane,” “MCA Silane,” “Methoxydimethyl(chloromethyl)silane,” and at times, supplier brands tacking on their own catalog numbers to the base chemical name. Regardless of label, traceability to structure and CAS number remains the gold standard for confirming identity. Over the years, this consistency has prevented many a mix-up between similar reactive silicon compounds with markedly different hazard profiles or application ranges.
People working with this silane face a real need for tight safety routines. Gloves made of nitrile or neoprene, chemical splash goggles, and full lab coats comprise the personal protective equipment baseline. Quick hydrolysis to hydrochloric acid and methanol, both hazardous in their own right, drives ventilation needs and emergency eyewash requirements in spaces handling this substance. Spills demand absorbent pads that neutralize acids and capture organosilanes before disposal. Inhalation and skin contact can cause severe irritation or burns—hospitals have treated more than a few chemists after accidental exposure. Fire risk comes from both its flammable vapors and exothermic reaction with water, so fire extinguishers rated for chemical and electrical hazards sit nearby. Waste disposal follows official hazardous waste protocols, with containers sealed, labeled, and sent off to licensed centers.
Industrial uses spread across automotive, electronics, and building materials. Folks in research parks and pilot plants turn to chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane for developing functionalized silica particles, improving how fillers mix into rubber, plastics, and paints. Specialty manufacturers leverage its talent for preparing protective coatings on metal, boosting corrosion resistance, and improving the lifetime of medical devices. On the electronics side, modifying glass fibers and circuit board materials allows for enhanced adhesion with polymer layers, critical for miniaturization and durability in everything from handheld gadgets to aerospace control panels. Biotech startups played around with the molecule for immobilizing enzymes on solid supports, exploring new diagnostics, while others worked out protocols for microfluidic device coatings.
Academic and corporate labs press forward with greener synthesis, aiming to trim waste and swap toxic reagents out of production steps. Room temperature hydrosilylation, solvent-free additions, and tailored metal catalysts dominate recent publications. Folks in sustainable chemistry want closed-loop systems for silane byproduct recycling, seen in pilot projects in Asia and Europe. Computational chemists simulate new routes for selective modification of the chloromethyl group, with the idea of scaling up targeted silane crosslinkers for 3D-printed materials and responsive coatings that switch properties on command. Technology transfer from pilot batches to commercial scale hinges on robust process controls, efficient purification, and diligent monitoring of worker exposure and environmental emissions.
The main safety studies point to respiratory and skin hazards, aligning with the molecule’s corrosive reaction products. Rodent trials demonstrated both acute toxicity at high dosages and significant tissue irritation, particularly along mucous membranes. Chronic effects look less likely at low occupational exposures, provided workers handle spills and releases by the book. Studies from toxicology journals caution about the cumulative risks when mixtures of reactive silanes enter groundwater, so environmental safety benchmarks continue to evolve in manufacturing hubs. Regulatory agencies from Europe to North America request detailed toxicity reports ahead of large-scale adoption, pressing firms to share data and improve open communication with local communities.
R&D teams seek out more benign process chemistry along with better containment to minimize accidents and environmental releases. Growth potential shows up in next-gen microelectronics, flexible displays, and bio-interfacing materials for drug delivery tools. Collaborative projects between academia and industry drive the discovery of silane intermediates with enhanced reactivity and lower byproduct loads. Training programs and stricter regulatory oversight hold manufacturers accountable for workplace safety and product stewardship. Academic conferences and trade shows highlight advances in energy-saving coatings and recyclable composite materials, all benefiting from innovative silane chemistry, pointing toward a future where tailored silicon chemistry supports safer, smarter materials and less waste at every stage.
Working in chemical manufacturing showed me how a single ingredient can spark a chain of changes in a product. Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane might look like a mouthful on a label. Hidden behind the chemistry speak, this compound has a real purpose in laboratories and factories. People working on advanced coatings and adhesives see it as a helpful way to add functional groups to surfaces and polymers. Chemists use this silane to bring materials together that wouldn’t usually get along, which turns out to be a big deal for a lot of what people touch and use every day.
One major application comes from its ability to bond things that wouldn’t combine otherwise. Think about glass fiber used in electronics, insulation, or car parts. Manufacturers treat the fiber surface with this silane, and suddenly, it’s much easier to lock the fibers into place using resins. Stronger, lighter components show up in our phones and cars because of this process.
A few years ago, I worked with coatings for outdoor signs. Rain, sun, and dust break down materials fast if they aren’t protected. Adding organosilicon chemicals like chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane to coatings helped water roll right off. It didn’t just protect surfaces, it kept colors bright all season. The treated surface gets a chemical “link” that stands up to both water and heat, giving products a longer life. Take windows and solar panels, for example. The same technology makes them less messy and easier to clean.
Medical labs also turn to silanes for modifying surfaces. It’s tough to get plastics or glass to “hold on” to biological molecules. With this compound’s reactive side, scientists attach specific molecules for quicker, more accurate tests. Diagnostic chips, sensors, or even labware stay more reliable and sensitive after a dose of this chemistry.
Customization comes up a lot in the real world. One group wants electronics to resist humidity, another needs adhesives to grab onto metals and plastics. By switching the “tails” or reactive parts on the silane, designers pick which surfaces to change and what new features to add. Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane’s mix of both reactive and protective groups brings flexibility to the toolkit. Its chloromethyl part lets it hook onto specific stuff, while the methoxy group helps it spread evenly before setting. For electronics, coatings, or specialty plastics, this versatility saves time and waste.
Demand for smarter surfaces will only rise. Touchscreens, clean energy, medical diagnostics — all these fields look for ways to make common materials do more with less. More research follows on how to handle this chemical safely, limit emissions, and keep products secure for everyday users. We all want products that last longer and perform better. Chemicals like chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane open doors for new designs, as long as the people using them respect the health and safety rules set by regulators and manufacturers.
Better training and strong oversight keep workers safe and address questions from communities about these specialty ingredients. Some companies push for greener alternatives or smarter recycling to cut down on environmental impact. Progress may start small — just like a few drops of silane on a fiber — but small changes add up to stronger, safer technology across industries. If the past few decades taught me anything, it’s that each advance in chemistry ends up woven quietly into our lives, whether on a factory line or a family car.
Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but anyone who's spent time in a lab knows its chemistry really grabs your attention. This stuff reacts fast with moisture, and not in a “just wipe it up” kind of way. Exposing this compound to even a little bit of water can release hydrochloric acid gas. That gas doesn’t care if you’re being careful; it can burn your eyes and lungs, and eat through metal shelving and tools. I still remember a colleague losing two favorite wrenches to careless storage beside one leaky bottle.
Every chemical I've ever handled reacts to heat in its own way, and this one takes it up a notch. Heat can speed up its reactivity. So if it’s sitting on a shelf that gets the afternoon sun or above a radiator, you’re asking for trouble. A cool, climate-controlled space keeps it from turning volatile. Spills can mean not just ruined equipment, but a trip to the ER if you breathe in the vapors. Emergency showers and eyewash stations don’t seem important—until you see one person need them.
Leaving containers carelessly open, or using an old cap that’s cracked, invites trouble. Air brings in moisture. The more I’ve handled specialized chemicals, the more I notice the simplest mistake—like not tightly sealing the bottle—brings the biggest headaches later. Even small amounts of moisture start a chain reaction that fumes up the whole room. Labs I’ve worked in started using desiccators and nitrogen blankets not because safety manuals said so, but because no one wanted to deal with ruined chemicals and clean-up.
Glass usually gets the job done, but not just any kind works here. Fluoropolymer-lined or borosilicate containers hold up better; they don’t react and won’t leach anything that could set off the compound. Metal containers pose a big risk because leaks make them rust and degrade. I’ve seen old storage rooms where plastic pails buckled from the fumes. A quality seal, not just “good enough” plastic wrap, often decides if you wake up to corrosion or a problem-free morning.
Goggles, gloves, and a lab coat might sound like overkill, yet it beats the pain of a chemical burn. I remember my first chemical splash; even a tiny drop left a mark for weeks. This compound sticks to skin and turns the smallest misstep into a serious injury. Nitrile gloves work better than latex. Just being careful keeps you out of the doctor’s office and in the lab doing real work.
Segregation keeps things from going wrong. Don’t store this silane with acids, bases, or even water solutions. Vapors love to drift, corrode labels, and jump containers. A safety cabinet dedicated to moisture-sensitive bottles solves the confusion. I used to grumble at the cost of proper signage and locked cabinets, but I understood fast after witnessing a chain reaction run down four shelves of a shared storage closet. One careless move set off a whole series of evacuations.
Mistakes with chemicals like this rarely come from willful neglect. More often, folks skip old lessons, underestimate moisture in the air, or trust a bad seal on a bottle. The best labs and workshops keep routines simple. Dry, cool rooms. Air-tight, labeled containers. Quick access to emergency gear. Regular checks before and after storing. These small habits keep people and projects safe, and let the research—not cleanups—take center stage.
Chemistry often sounds more complex than it really is. With Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane, the name contains clues for decoding its structure. The molecule contains a chloromethyl group (-CH2Cl), two methyl groups (-CH3), a methoxy group (-OCH3), and a silicon atom connecting these branches. Put these pieces together and you get the formula: C5H13ClOSi.
It’s easy to dismiss chemical formulas as dry data, but every atom in that formula plays a part. For chemists in the lab or workers in manufacturing, knowing exactly what’s in the bottle means controlling your process. That sense of control matters; mix up the formula and you risk everything from ruined product to safety issues.
Chemical specificity isn’t just theory. Years ago, I watched a colleague accidentally swap out a silane with a similar-sounding cousin. The result: failed adhesive and a line stoppage that cost hours and plenty of cash. That incident hammered home the value of precision in a world where one atom changes everything.
This material enters the ring mostly as a building block in organic synthesis. Think of specialty coatings, water repellents, and basic research into organosilicon compounds. Silanes like this one bring together organic flexibility with the toughness that silicon elements deliver. Manufacturers often turn to it when trying to bond nonstick surfaces or introduce functional groups to more complex polymers.
Researchers seek it out because it can serve as a platform to attach new molecules, like when producing smart coatings that change based on light or moisture. The chloromethyl group gives a reactive handle — add your chemistry, and suddenly the silence of the molecule breaks wide open for more advanced use.
Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane stands out for its reactivity, especially when moisture or heat get involved. The methyl and methoxy groups sound harmless, but the molecule releases hydrochloric acid on hydrolysis. Factory floors rely on decent airflow, sealed containers, and teams that actually read the labels. Nobody wants an acid cloud just because water got into a drum.
The chemical industry faces constant pressure for transparency. Ten years ago, material safety data sheets felt like paperwork for insurance. Now, informed buyers and tight regulations force producers to spell out potential hazards. For a compound with a reactive chlorine atom, extra attention goes toward spill control, protective equipment, and knowing exactly what to do if vapors escape.
New approaches put less hazardous silanes into the spotlight, with teams trying to eliminate chlorinated side-products. Green chemistry takes on a genuine urgency in crowded labs or small production runs where fumes mean discomfort and downtime. To limit reliance on chloromethyl compounds, some research groups chase different functional handles: amino, epoxy, or alkoxy groups attaching directly to the silicon core.
The lesson learned in practice: Master the formula upfront, respect the risks involved, and stay open to safer replacements. A precise knowledge of chemicals like C5H13ClOSi allows real innovation, but only when people understand not just what they're working with, but why it matters on every bench and in every batch.
Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane keeps showing up in labs and some manufacturing shops. If you’ve worked in a place that makes parts for electronics or special polymers, you might have run into containers with oddly long chemical names. This one grabs attention because it’s built to react—great for industry, less great for the person who spills a drop while cleaning up. That kind of setting gets people wondering: how risky is this stuff, really?
Ask anyone handling chemicals—labels matter, but so do the unwritten rules. This compound carries a warning for more than just skin. If it touches moisture in the air or on your skin, it can break down and produce hydrochloric acid and methanol. Hydrochloric acid stings, burns, and wrecks tissue in seconds. Methanol attacks the nervous system, sometimes without warning until hours after exposure. Even a small spill isn’t something you can just wipe up with a rag.
Anyone catching a whiff can feel the effects: coughing, trouble breathing, watery eyes, maybe even dizziness. That’s before you think about what happens if you swallow or absorb a bit too much through skin. So many industrial injuries come down to someone not seeing the slow buildup of harm because the first signs show up too late. I have seen coworkers try to “tough it out” after minor chemical splashes, only to end up on the way to an urgent care center. With this molecule, the stakes sit even higher.
Long stretches exposed to low levels of this chemical can sneak up on a worker. Chronic skin contact leads to dryness, cracking, and sometimes chemical burns that never quite heal. Methanol vapors put vision at risk and tangle up nerve function. Hydrochloric acid can hurt the lungs, making a bad day feel even worse weeks later. Many people in chemical processing have stories about stuffy noses or burning throats that lingered much longer than anyone predicted.
Rules exist for storing and handling nasty chemicals, but things slip in fast-paced workplaces. Proper gloves and respirators stack up in a supply closet. In practice, someone grabs thin latex gloves instead of nitrile, or they forget a face shield because goggles seem “good enough.” Chemical exposure often doesn’t happen because guidelines are missing, but because the daily reality makes those steps feel skippable.
Official safety data sheets rate chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane as hazardous. No one disputes that in labs with good lighting and clean floors. What worries me—and plenty of people who have handled specialty chemicals—is that these sheets can feel like optional reading, not essential knowledge. That puts both workers and bystanders one mistake away from real harm.
Change sticks when people understand not just the “what,” but the “why.” It’s not abstract. Keeping tight air flow, using sturdy gloves, double-checking bottle seals—these steps work because the risk is personal and concrete. Regular drills, short training refreshers, and open talk about what nearly went wrong matter more than a binder on the wall. If you see someone shortcutting a step, speak up. Building that kind of trust and watchfulness keeps everyone safer, especially with chemicals that don’t give warnings until it’s too late.
Real talk: nobody plans for a spill. But prepping for one—because the consequences with chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane are so serious—shows care for each other. And in any workplace, that’s what counts the most.
Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane sounds like the sort of chemical most people would never bump into outside of a lab or factory, but talk to anyone who’s worked with organosilanes and one thing comes up: they bring real hazards. Touching skin, breathing vapors, even letting them sit out opens the door to burns, lung irritation, headaches, and environmental headaches nobody wants to face down the line. Government safety sheets and the Centers for Disease Control pack plenty of warnings for a reason. Mess up disposal or cleanup, and a dangerous mess with lasting impact lands on the neighborhood or the next shift to come through.
Here's how I saw the process handled right at a chemical plant I toured several years ago. It starts with reading the Safety Data Sheet—no fancy guidelines or shortcuts there. With clear instructions in hand, you’ll find workers separating waste at the source. They never let this stuff get near the regular trash or wash it down a drain. Used containers and gloves go into their own bins, fully labeled so nobody mistakes what's inside. Old habits from high school chemistry, like "just wash it out," have no place here.
Professional disposal outfits handle the haul-away. This means sealed drums, packed with plenty of absorbent material in case of leaks. Trucks run on a set route to disposal plants licensed for hazardous industrial waste. This involves incineration at extremely high heat, with specialized scrubbers to trap and neutralize byproducts like hydrochloric acid or silicon oxides. There are zero short-cuts; even rinsing with water or alcohol requires a closed system so nothing escapes into the air. In the ten years since I started writing about environmental health, I’ve seen regulation tighten for these steps.
Problems show up fast if companies or labs cut corners. Pouring leftover silane into a sink can corrode pipes, releasing toxic fumes into a building’s ventilation. Toss it in a dumpster, and landfill groundwater turns into a pollution source for decades. The EPA routinely fines businesses for letting hazardous waste slip through ordinary collection. Fines sometimes climb into six figures, and that proves the true cost of ignoring best practices.
Besides hiring certified hazardous waste handlers, I’ve seen good results from on-site training. Every new hire at responsible shops learns exactly how to isolate this stuff, whether working with a full drum or a pipette tip. Checklists posted in every lab or work cell make a difference, especially when people need a quick reminder. Local fire departments offer workshops and inspections—definitely worth using. In some places, larger companies team up with universities or nearby businesses, sharing the cost of disposal services and training. That builds a stronger community defense.
People outside industry sometimes worry that proper chemical disposal is out of reach for small shops or academic labs. But state and county governments often provide directories for certified waste disposal outfits. In my own city, a quick phone call to the hazardous materials office connected us with a reputable service. Anyone can set up a system that keeps chemicals like chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane out of the environment and away from people who don’t know what they’re handling.
Safe disposal isn’t glamorous, but it has a ripple effect. It protects workers, neighbors, and the planet. As new chemicals come into play, the lesson holds: know your hazards, follow the process, and use community resources to keep the danger locked away. Strong systems, good training, and regular checks do more than cover legal bases—they keep everyone out of harm’s way.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | chloromethyl-dimethyl-methoxysilane |
| Other names |
Chloromethyl(dimethyl)methoxysilane Methoxydimethyl(chloromethyl)silane Silane, chloromethyldimethylmethoxy- Chloromethyldimethylmethoxysilane |
| Pronunciation | /klɔːroʊˌmɛθɪlˌdɪˈmɛθəlˌmɛˈθɒksiˌsaɪleɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 2212-10-4 |
| 3D model (JSmol) | `CCCC[Si](C)(Cl)OC` |
| Beilstein Reference | 4143300 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:137501 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL2171587 |
| ChemSpider | 13853009 |
| DrugBank | DB22307 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 13e85f78-3eec-4e6f-bf93-665d4e985d88 |
| EC Number | 612-189-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 87465 |
| KEGG | C18141339 |
| MeSH | D016229 |
| PubChem CID | 10168841 |
| RTECS number | VV5775000 |
| UNII | 3YS8N27H1H |
| UN number | UN2660 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C5H13ClOSi |
| Molar mass | 136.68 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | pungent |
| Density | 0.944 g/mL at 25 °C |
| Solubility in water | Reacts violently |
| log P | 1.6 |
| Vapor pressure | 3.4 hPa (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 13.3 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 6.01 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -6.42·10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.4040 |
| Viscosity | 1.376 cP (25°C) |
| Dipole moment | 1.95 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 206.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -216.8 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1026.8 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | V04CX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS05, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H225, H301, H314, H411 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P280, P261, P305+P351+P338, P304+P340, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-2-W |
| Flash point | 15 °C (closed cup) |
| Autoignition temperature | 250 °C (482 °F) |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 1.4–14.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 2300 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50 is 2100 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | LX4825000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Chloromethyltrimethylsilane Methoxydimethylsilane Dimethyldichlorosilane Trimethoxymethylsilane Chlorotrimethylsilane |
