A One-Step Method for the Synthesis of a Vinyl-Containing Silsesquioxane and Other Organolithic Macromolecular Precursors.

A unique one-step high-yield synthesis for the introduction of a vinyl-containing functional group into an octasilsesquioxane, [Si8O12](OR)8, molecule has been developed. The target molecule, along with the bromine and malonate derivatives, have been synthesized and characterized by a variety of traditional techniques. These silsesquioxane-based derivatives are valuable compounds which can be used to form hybrid polymers of silicic acids and new ceramic materials.