Not long after the chemical industry began seeking smarter ways to link organic and inorganic materials, Methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) showed up as a key player in the mid-20th century. Early uses focused on protecting glass surfaces and boosting the durability of paints. In research labs, chemists looked at MTMS as part of the larger organosilane family. Researchers noticed the unique balance of its reactive silicon-oxygen bonds and methyl group, leading to stronger surface treatments and better adhesion between materials that otherwise would not stick. Industry demand for weather-resistant coatings and tight-sealing adhesives gave MTMS a real-world test bed, moving it out of pure chemistry discussions and into commercial use.
MTMS acts as a bridging molecule. When manufacturers need to modify or crosslink polymers or enhance the strength of composites, MTMS offers a reliable choice. Its chemical structure features a methyl group (CH3) attached to a silicon atom, which holds three methoxy groups – this combination gives it flexibility for a wide range of applications. From coatings, sealants, to adhesives, MTMS steps up as an additive that increases resistance to moisture and chemical attack. Large-scale adoption in construction and electronics came from real benefits in performance, such as longer lifespan and stronger adherence to surfaces.
In its pure form, MTMS appears as a clear, colorless liquid with a sharp, alcohol-like smell. It has a low viscosity that aids ease of mixing with other ingredients. Its boiling point sits at roughly 102°C, and it evaporates rapidly in open air. MTMS only partially dissolves in water; on contact, it readily hydrolyzes, releasing methanol. This characteristic matters when considering storage and workplace safety. The molecular formula (C4H12O3Si) clocks in at a molecular weight of about 136.22 g/mol. Reactivity with moisture defines much of MTMS’s use in industrial processes: the methoxy groups break off, paving the way for siloxane bonds, which form durable, three-dimensional structures.
International suppliers label MTMS with UN number 1993, signaling its classification as a flammable liquid. Labeling must indicate high purity requirements — commercial grades often demand above 98% concentration for essential chemical reactions. Bottles and drums feature hazard pictograms highlighting both flammability and irritation on skin or eyes. Certificates of analysis, typically shipped with bulk orders, document water content, assay, color (measured via Pt-Co units), specific gravity, and refractive index. Shelf life and recommended storage temperatures figure prominently in labels to help warehouses keep the product usable and safe.
Large-scale MTMS production often follows a direct process reacting chloromethylsilane with methanol under controlled conditions. The technique relies on careful temperature control and removal of hydrogen chloride gas. From personal experience working near pilot reactors, small errors in feed ratios trigger off-spec product or excessive byproducts, underlining the importance of skilled operational hands. After synthesis, neutralization of residual acid and careful purification, often via distillation, bring the product to commercial grade. Older methods sometimes start from silicon metal, though energy costs and scale limitations push modern plants toward direct synthesis.
MTMS shines in sol-gel chemistry, where it offers a foundation for building up highly crosslinked polysiloxane structures. Alkoxysilane hydrolysis, followed by condensation, lets users design coatings, sealants, and hybrid materials with tailored properties. MTMS can react further with silanes or silanols to graft onto various polymer backbones, boosting water repellency or introducing new functional sites. In silicone rubber manufacturing, MTMS works as a crosslinker, giving elasticity and heat resistance. Lab work reveals that subtle tweaks in pH or reactant ratios deliver big changes in the final product — the choice between acid or base catalysis determines gelation speed and structure. My time watching these reactions unfold showed how MTMS's role goes far beyond simply being an ingredient; it serves as the backbone for entire product lines in high-tech fields.
MTMS often appears under names such as Methyltrimethoxysilane, Trimethoxy(methyl)silane, or TMSM. Catalog numbers and registered brand names vary, with companies like Dow, Momentive, or Shin-Etsu assigning proprietary labels. Tracking product names gets tricky across international markets: the same compound can appear under a different catalog code or shipping name, especially in translations between Asian and European suppliers.
Working with MTMS brings strict safety rules. Since the liquid ignites at relatively low temperatures and releases flammable methanol on contact with water, standard procedure calls for chemical-resistant gloves and proper eyewear at all times. Splash potential means face shields become routine during large-scale transfers. Ventilation is critical; vapors create explosion risks if left unchecked. I have seen incident reports where lack of proper grounding or broken seals led to dangerous leaks — plant staff quickly adopt best practices after those wake-up calls. Spill containment and rapid neutralization with sand or absorbents keep work sites safe, and detailed training reduces the chance of long-term health effects from repeated contact or inhalation.
MTMS finds its way into a surprising array of modern life. In construction, it upgrades water repellency in concrete and stone treatments, prolonging infrastructure life in wet climates. Electronics makers use MTMS to encapsulate circuits, protecting against moisture and contamination. Paint and coating chemists blend MTMS to toughen finishes for buildings or cars, reducing degradation under sun and rain. Adhesive manufacturers value MTMS for improving the bond between glass, ceramics, and plastics. In textiles, surface treatments with MTMS keep fabrics free from dirt and easier to clean. Professionals working with renewable energy or medical devices often rely on polymers modified by MTMS to meet tough performance standards.
Recent years brought a surge of attention to MTMS in nanotechnology and advanced materials research. Academic teams investigate how nano-silica networks made with MTMS enhance anticorrosive coatings or fire protection. Polymer chemists study blends that extend product life under extreme conditions. Lab-scale experiments often push the boundaries, showing that new MTMS derivatives may open doors for energy storage, flexible electronics, or lightweight composites. Collaborative research between universities and industry not only explores deeper chemistry but also grapples with environmental impacts and lifecycle analysis. My own discussions with R&D chemists signal optimism — MTMS serves as an anchor for creative problem solving across sectors.
Studies on workplace exposure levels highlight methanol release as a main health concern, primarily from hydrolysis reactions or improper ventilation. Acute overexposure causes headaches, dizziness, and eye irritation. Animal studies suggest limited chronic toxicity at low concentrations; rather, most issues stem from careless handling or accidental spills. Regulatory agencies like OSHA and REACH set exposure limits and have prompted tighter engineering controls. The chemical's rapid breakdown in the environment mitigates some risk, but accidental discharge near water bodies stays on environmental watchlists. Personal experiences on compliance audits underscore the value of on-site sensors and regular staff education. Facilities that monitor air levels and ensure quick medical response for any exposure keep their workforces much safer.
Next-generation uses for MTMS keep expanding as both academic labs and manufacturers chase lighter, tougher, or more sustainable materials. Current projects in my network focus on eco-friendly coatings, lower-emission adhesives, and functionalized composites for electric vehicles. As more regions tighten rules on volatile organics and industrial waste, demand rises for silane options that perform well at lower environmental cost. Integration into 3D printing resins and smart textiles hints at future growth. Partnerships between material companies and research labs will likely drive new MTMS-based systems for applications from energy conservation to medical implants, reflecting how far this once-specialty chemical has traveled since its modest beginnings.
Methyltrimethoxysilane, often shortened to MTMS, brings together three things you find scattered across industry and science: silicon, organic chemistry, and surface technology. This stuff is clear and colorless, but its impact stretches across manufacturing, construction, coatings, and even electronics. You don’t always see its name on labels, though you’ll notice the benefits in water-repelling building materials or tough weather-resistant paints. Living in an older house for a few years taught me that moisture causes real headaches—peeling paint, mold along the window frames, drafty corners. MTMS sits behind some of those “miracle” building products that promise to push back against dampness.
Walk into any modern office or apartment block, run your fingers over the stone, glass, or tile, and there’s a good chance MTMS played a role. This chemical serves as what’s called a silane, a molecule that helps different materials “stick” together at the molecular level. Like glue, but smarter. MTMS reacts with water and forms bonds to surfaces like glass, stone, concrete, and ceramics. Manufacturers use it to add water-repellent coatings to building materials, which means less staining, less mold growth, and materials that stand up better to changing weather. It’s a silent worker, but as someone who spent years patching leaks and repainting, I’d rather have these surfaces protected from day one.
MTMS changes what goes on in the paint bucket, too. Add it to some paints or sealants, and you get a product that stands up against sun, rain, grime, and time. Most people don’t realize why their outdoor deck doesn’t fade as quickly, or why kitchen tiles stay cleaner. It comes down to the way MTMS links organic and inorganic parts in the paint, creating a tighter structure at a scale you can't see. That structure blocks water and airborne grime from seeping in, keeping colors bright and surfaces cleaner. For anyone maintaining public buildings or old homes, those extra years before repainting save headaches and dollars.
Technology moves fast, and that means smaller circuits and thinner screens every year. Electronics rely on specialized coatings and sealants, and MTMS steps in as a way to protect delicate parts from humidity and dust. Big phone and TV makers want devices to run cooler, weigh less, and live longer. Silane chemistry, including MTMS, helps create films that act as stable barriers without adding bulk. The consumer only notices that their screen resists fingerprints or static, but there’s science behind that clean feel. For students or families who wait years between upgrades, this means more reliable devices and less waste.
One question remains: does MTMS cause harm? Modern regulations steer chemical makers to test safety, and large manufacturers publish detailed safety data. Used smartly, MTMS doesn’t show up in toxic air emissions or drinking water, but it’s no friend to your skin or eyes in pure form. In workplace settings, gloves and goggles keep users safe. As an ingredient in finished goods, it helps materials last longer and reduce replacement waste, a quiet win for sustainability. As society aims for stronger, longer-lasting products with less environmental fallout, MTMS shows why chemistry can be both practical and beneficial for daily life.
Methyltrimethoxysilane plays an important role in adhesives, sealants, and coatings. It opens the door for more durable products but brings risks that should never get swept aside. This clear, flammable liquid is volatile, giving off vapor that can irritate the eyes, skin, and lungs. In my own lab days, anyone mixing or transferring Methyltrimethoxysilane always suited up with solid protective gear. Shortcuts caused blisters, coughs, and sometimes, worse.
Any closed room can trap fumes, letting vapor build up fast. The best safety step begins with good airflow. Local exhaust ventilation pulls fumes away from workers and out of the building. Relying on an open window rarely cuts it; fans and fume hoods must do the heavy lifting. Investing in this equipment pays for itself, saving headaches – literally, and long term.
Swapping comfort for protection makes sense with a chemical this reactive. Anyone handling Methyltrimethoxysilane ought to wear chemical-resistant gloves, splash goggles, and standard lab coats. Nitrile gloves worked best for my crew. Latex just doesn’t stand up against the solvent strength. Full face shields may look dramatic, but no one complains about them after seeing a chemical splash up close.
Spills don’t always wait for a quiet moment. Absorbent pads, sand, or vermiculite keep liquid from spreading. Where I worked, there was no room for improvisation. Every workspace posted clear steps for dealing with leaks – people noticed when those posters got grimy and unreadable. An oily rag job never satisfied the safety crew. Every spill required a proper report, prompt cleanup, and careful disposal through an approved hazardous waste channel.
Eating or drinking where Methyltrimethoxysilane gets used often tempts busy techs. Even the most careful folks find it easy to touch their mouth without thinking. Food and drink attract chemical residue, raising exposure risk. Years ago, I saw the quickest tech lose days of work just from ignoring these rules during a busy shift.
Methyltrimethoxysilane catches fire at low temperatures. Chemistry labs use explosion-proof refrigerators and fire safety cabinets for storage. Cell phones and loose wires belong far away to avoid accidental sparks. Nearby fire extinguishers, training on what to do if things go wrong, and regular drills make a strong layer of protection.
Accidents happen, even to the seasoned veteran. In my experience, those clunky blue showers and eye-wash stations ended up more useful than anyone hoped. Staff kept them tested and unblocked, and drills made sure no one fumbled during an emergency.
Lab teams stay safer with routine safety refreshers. I’ve seen new hires and seasoned pros mix up bottles or skip steps at the end of a long day. Talking through risks together and running simple first aid drills keeps the topic alive. Outdated policies collect dust, so keeping them current matters most.
Staying safe around Methyltrimethoxysilane takes more than labels and warnings. Every extra minute spent on preparation, gear, and habits pays back in lives and health. As the job evolves, listening to those on the bench and seeking new ways to control risks keeps everyone out of trouble, and that counts for more than any shortcut ever does.
Methyltrimethoxysilane serves as a chemical workhorse, especially for treating surfaces or boosting adhesion in coatings, adhesives, and sealants. Its molecular structure brings both value and risk to the table. One look at its safety data sheet makes it clear: this isn’t the kind of stuff meant for a dusty closet or a corner of a damp shop.
My early days around chemical labs showed how quickly things go wrong if chemicals get shoved into the wrong place. Methyltrimethoxysilane releases methanol when it gets in contact with water or humid air, and that brings more than just a bad smell. Methanol is flammable and toxic. Even small leaks or spills can create fumes or slippery puddles, which cause trouble for both people and property.
Fires in chemical storage rooms rarely look like the staged drills. Smoke, confusion, and the fear that one spark could send drums flying—nobody forgets those moments. Keeping flammable chemicals safe isn’t just regulatory red tape—the rules grew out of hard lessons.
I’ve seen the headaches stack up for teams that cut corners with chemical storage. Folks stack containers in the sun, wedge bottles against radiators, or let caps gather dust and stick shut. Methyltrimethoxysilane comes with its own list of don’ts, and each one brings risk if ignored. Sun and heat degrade this chemical fast. Any moisture in a container, even a few drops, triggers a reaction that releases methanol, sometimes pressurizing the container or blowing the lid.
Store it indoors, away from bright daylight and direct heat. Temperatures matter—a cool, well-ventilated storage area lowers the risk of vapor buildup and keeps the chemical stable. I’ve found that metal cabinets or dedicated storage lockers, grounded and free from electrical outlets or sources of ignition, go a long way for peace of mind.
Fresh, airtight containers keep out atmospheric moisture and protect workers from leaks or spills. Glass and high-density polyethylene handle the job well, but containers need tight-fitting caps. Once, I walked into a storage room and smelled something off before I noticed a slow leak from a worn plastic cap. Investing in top-quality containers and replacing them at signs of aging or cracking is miles cheaper than dealing with lost product or emergency cleanup.
Chemical labels may look boring, but they make the difference between quick, informed action and dangerous guessing. Labels should stay clear, with the hazard class visible. Don’t put methyltrimethoxysilane anywhere near acids, oxidizers, or water-reactive chemicals. Mixing up containers, even for a few minutes, can spark nasty reactions. Separate storage shelves or trays help prevent drips from spreading or containers from getting mixed up in a rush.
Employees can’t guess how to handle things if no one explains the reason for each rule. Regular training, updated procedures, and visible emergency contact info help everyone stay prepared. Safety showers, eyewash stations, and well-stocked spill kits should stand near storage areas—not buried behind locked doors. Practice what to do after a spill or fire, rather than hoping quick instincts will save the day.
Inspections, logbooks, and honest conversations make the real difference. Even the safest team finds gaps. A simple checklist or a five-minute weekly walk-through prevents surprises and keeps everyone focused. If the chemical gets old or the storage area floods or overheats, plan for safe disposal rather than hoping problems stay hidden.
Methyltrimethoxysilane, often written as CH₃Si(OCH₃)₃, draws a lot more significance in manufacturing and chemistry than its tongue-twisting name might suggest. The formula outlines the basic elements: a single methyl group (CH₃) attached to a silicon atom, with three methoxy groups (OCH₃) branching off. This simple arrangement transforms the compound into a valuable building block for coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
I once toured a factory floor where surface treatments keep machines running longer and buildings weathering storms. Standing among the drums of chemicals and towering storage tanks, seeing jars labeled “Methyltrimethoxysilane” drove home how important the right formula can be. The reason is fairly straightforward—each part of CH₃Si(OCH₃)₃ serves a particular job. The methyl group brings stability and water resistance. The methoxy groups give the molecule the flexibility to bond with other silicon atoms or with organic materials. That’s the feature that lets this molecule bridge inorganic glass or metal surfaces with organic coatings or plastics.
In industries focusing on electronics and construction, this compound helps products last longer and work smarter. When used in silicone resins, for example, its presence ensures finished materials resist moisture, stay flexible in hot or cold climates, and adhere well to glass or metal. It’s easy to take these benefits for granted, but try maintaining windows or electronics in a humid region. Parts that break down quickly or wiring that corrodes end up costing much more than any raw ingredient.
Every time someone asks about the value of knowing chemical formulas, I think back to a time troubleshooting a leaking window in an old building. More often than not, the original sealant failed decades ago. Modern sealants, made with the help of ingredients like methyltrimethoxysilane, avoid this by creating tight, weather-resistant bonds. The formula itself doesn’t guarantee quality, but understanding it lets companies tweak recipes for flexibility or extra strength. It also pushes innovation—researchers keep searching for ways to limit environmental impact while maintaining performance.
Transparency about chemical formulas allows better safety and health decisions. Many people working with or around chemicals appreciate clear, accurate labeling as much as any regulatory body. These details empower workers to use proper protective gear and adopt safer processes. Unclear or incomplete chemical identification puts people at unnecessary risk. In my own experience, a little knowledge goes a long way when handling raw chemicals or training new hires.
There’s always room to reduce risks or environmental impact. One approach: invest in research toward alternatives that do the same job with less environmental harm or waste. Better training on handling and disposal sets a higher bar on worksites and in labs. Regular updates to safety sheets, based on fresh data for each chemical, ensure communities and workers have the best possible information. The formula CH₃Si(OCH₃)₃ points to more than a bottle of liquid; it signals a network of choices—about materials, safety, and innovation—that ripple out through construction, tech, and the spaces where people live and work.
Methyltrimethoxysilane doesn’t usually make the evening news, but it shows up in a surprising number of industrial and consumer products. This clear, colorless liquid finds its way into paints, coatings, adhesives, rubbers, and even some electronics. It helps make things more resistant to water and heat, so it’s easy to see why manufacturers love it. The catch? Like many specialized chemicals, it brings some baggage, both for people and the planet.
Working in industries that use methyltrimethoxysilane introduces direct risks. Tasks like mixing, pouring, or applying products can expose workers to both vapor and liquid form, especially if factories don’t invest in strong ventilation or proper personal protective gear. People in labs or factories sometimes describe an irritating, almost sweet odor. That’s not just an inconvenience. Reliable sources, including the European Chemicals Agency, show that inhaling its vapors or getting it on skin can cause irritation or burns.
Accidental splashes won’t just sting. Left on the skin too long, this chemical soaks in and harms living tissue. Breathing its vapor can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, and high enough doses set off coughing fits or headache. Larger spills, especially outside controlled environments, quickly become a bigger issue.
On the environmental side, methyltrimethoxysilane doesn’t break down immediately in soil or water. In water, it transforms into methanol and tiny bits of siloxane, which can still linger around. Runoff from factories or improper storage can end up in waterways and soil, affecting more than just workers.
Methanol isn’t harmless. Even in small amounts, it can stress aquatic life, and animals that drink contaminated water or swim in it can face serious health issues. There’s more than lab evidence here: spills and leaks in real-life settings have led to local fish deaths and plant loss. Soil bacteria can struggle, leading to slow recovery in contaminated patches.
There’s always tension between industrial performance and human safety. Decades working near chemical plants taught me how quickly people lose trust when accidents happen or when management brushes off worker complaints. Stories of chemical burns or unexplained rashes push folks to demand answers, and rightfully so. A chemical like this often leaves invisible marks long after workers clock out.
Long-term, addressing methyltrimethoxysilane risks starts at the source. Replacing it isn’t easy — but every year, specialty chemical makers develop new, less aggressive alternatives for certain uses. Short of full replacement, enforcing better engineering controls in the workplace works wonders. Proper local exhaust, sealed containers, and glove requirements seem basic, but too many places skip these steps to save cash.
For waste and spills, containment and real clean-up matter. None of the environmental recovery happens if companies sweep leaks under the rug. Cities benefit from strong environmental reporting: if industries report leaks and the public sees that record, companies have more reason to behave. Fines and regular inspections help, but community pressure gets things moving faster when the paperwork drags on.
Everyone–from the folks in hazmat suits to families drinking tap water–shares the outcome. Making methyltrimethoxysilane safer means treating every complaint and spill seriously, supporting real alternatives, and keeping good records open for everyone to see.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | Trimethoxy(methyl)silane |
| Other names |
Trimethoxy(methyl)silane MTMS Methyltrimethoxy Silane Trimethoxymethylsilane |
| Pronunciation | /ˌmɛθ.ɪl.traɪˌmɛθ.ɒk.siˈsaɪ.leɪn/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 1185-55-3 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1465067 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:84988 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL1880528 |
| ChemSpider | 12306 |
| DrugBank | DB11238 |
| ECHA InfoCard | 100.017.840 |
| EC Number | 203-497-4 |
| Gmelin Reference | 82294 |
| KEGG | C06547 |
| MeSH | D008768 |
| PubChem CID | 66206 |
| RTECS number | PF9840000 |
| UNII | KGJ47087WA |
| UN number | UN1992 |
| CompTox Dashboard (EPA) | DTXSID3020604 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H12O3Si |
| Molar mass | 136.22 g/mol |
| Appearance | Colorless transparent liquid |
| Odor | Odorless |
| Density | 0.955 g/cm3 |
| Solubility in water | Soluble |
| log P | -0.5 |
| Vapor pressure | 13 mmHg (20 °C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | 14.7 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -7.83×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.369 |
| Viscosity | 0.45 mPa·s at 25 °C |
| Dipole moment | 1.17 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 211.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | -566.1 kJ/mol |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1695 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02,GHS07 |
| Signal word | Danger |
| Hazard statements | H226, H319, H335 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P261, P271, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P337+P313, P370+P378, P403+P235, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-3-1- |
| Flash point | 51 °C (closed cup) |
| Autoignition temperature | 460 °C |
| Explosive limits | Explosive limits: 1.1–12.0% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 Oral Rat 7,130 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat LD50: 7,130 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | GVX822 |
| PEL (Permissible) | PEL (Permissible Exposure Limit) of Methyltrimethoxysilane: "50 ppm (240 mg/m3) TWA |
| REL (Recommended) | 28 mg/m³ |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | Not established |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
Trimethylmethoxysilane Methyltriethoxysilane Vinyltrimethoxysilane Phenyltrimethoxysilane Ethyltrimethoxysilane |
