Tetrakis(2-Methoxyethoxy)Silane stands out in the world of organosilicon compounds for its particular blend of structure and properties. It flows as a clear to pale yellow liquid, just dense enough that pouring from a bottle gives a heavy, almost syrupy feel, weighing in at a density of about 1.09 g/cm3 at 25°C. Laboratories, manufacturers, and technical teams know this compound under the trade shorthand TMES or its molecular formula, Si[OCH2CH2OCH3]4. Life in the lab, it goes beyond names on bottles. The actual substance feels like promise—potential packed tight in every molecule. Whether you're looking at a small amber glass bottle in a research setting, or a metal drum in a processing plant, each shipment is marked with the HS Code 2931900090, tagging it for its chemical pedigree and export status.
Raw materials like Tetrakis(2-Methoxyethoxy)Silane change the game for specialty coatings, glass treatments, and adhesives. Chemists looking for alternatives to traditional silicon precursors often land here because this liquid handles well, shows reliable solubility in organic solvents, and reacts clean without fuss. Out in the world, it winds up in the background of many products that demand a precise or stable silicon source for sol-gel processes. While some silicon sources show up in various forms—powders, pearls, flakes, or crystals—this one consistently appears as a liquid or rarely as highly viscous fluid. It brings a sense of confidence in melt, mixability, and reaction, cutting unnecessary steps out of production and research. Teams who depend on consistency—for microelectronics, optics, or surface modification—lean into the reliability of this silane because even small swings in purity or structure affect the finished product.
TMES delivers its reliability through its symmetric, tetrafunctional silicon core. Its molecular formula (C12H28O8Si) shows four 2-methoxyethoxy groups connected to a central silicon. These flexible arms protect the silicon center from the air and moisture, giving the molecule a unique edge compared to other silanes that react far more quickly, sometimes inconveniently. This stability allows storage on the shelf and handling in open air for limited periods, though dry, inert conditions always work best in practice. From experience, chemists prize this flexibility, especially on days when timing blends and mixing get chaotic. Knowing that a small lapse won’t ruin the entire batch changes the workflow for both newcomers and experts alike.
Tetrakis(2-Methoxyethoxy)Silane weighs in at a molecular weight of 340.43 g/mol. Its clarity hints at high purity; few contaminants make it through the distillation process needed to reach this grade. Boiling takes place between 285°C and 290°C (at atmospheric pressure), which means heating systems must be controlled, but overheating rarely results in runaway side products unless oxygen sneaks into the system. There’s no powder or crystalline solid here, only a liquid, and it keeps away from freezing until temperatures drop far below zero Celsius. Stockroom teams measure by volume and mass, usually in liters or kilograms. Fire regulations list it as a combustible material, but not a true fire hazard under normal conditions – it will burn if pushed past its flashpoint near 135°C, so any open flame deserves respect and proper ventilation.
Safety training for organosilicon chemicals always runs the same drills: eye protection, gloves, and working under a fume hood. Tetrakis(2-Methoxyethoxy)Silane surprises many new users with its relatively docile nature, yet the safety data sheets always catch the crucial details—if spilled, it stings the skin, irritates eyes, and prolonged inhalation brings on headaches or potential respiratory discomfort. It gives off methoxyethanol vapors on hydrolysis, a substance known for health hazards, so spill response crews keep absorbent materials and neutralizers close at hand. Small-batch researchers and industrial scale handlers both appreciate guidance anchored in practice: avoid contact, clean up spills, never pour waste down drains, and keep all storage sealed tight with accurate labeling. Any hint of exposure to high humidity invites slow decomposition—even trace water shortens shelf life, hinting again at the importance of dry storage.
The value of Tetrakis(2-Methoxyethoxy)Silane doesn't float on price or volume, but stability, reactivity, and its long shelf life. Each drum matters less to the bottom line than the predictable outcomes it delivers. Yet, the chemical world faces challenges. Safe transportation takes planning—especially across borders, given tight rules around hazardous goods. Poor labeling or casual handling leads to shelf accidents and, worse, health incidents. Over time, automated systems and digital inventory controls have trimmed human error, but field experience says communication and diligence count most. For greener chemistry, companies chase alternatives that match or improve on this silane’s performance with lower toxicity, but few options stand up in real-world processes. Demand for this type of silane only grows as new electronic and medical devices roll out every year.
Anyone who’s spent time in a chemical plant or a university laboratory knows that Tetrakis(2-Methoxyethoxy)Silane isn’t just another line item in a catalog. It demands respect for its power and promise, but rewards those who treat it right: reliable processes, high-performance surfaces, and new technologies that quietly shape the way we live. The facts aren’t abstract—every bottle carries responsibility, every shipment pushes both science and safety forward, and every successful application comes down to careful choices. No matter how familiar its description or how standard its code, this silane continues to earn its place at the bench and in the market with every use.
