Direct synthesis of ordered and highly functionalized organosilicas containing carboxylic acid groups

Ordered and highly functionalized organosilicas containing carboxylic acid groups were obtained in one step by hydrolysis and polycondensation of a cyanoalkyltrialkoxysilane (NC–CH2–(CH2)nCH2–Si(OR)3 with n = 1, 3 and 9) under acidic conditions; the europium ion adsorption capability of these materials was investigated.