Chapter 12, Problem 12.11P

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The balanced equation for the process of hydrolysis of $\text{Si}{\left({\text{OCH}}_{\text{3}}\right)}_{\text{4}}$ should be determined.

Concept introduction:

The sol-gel method is a process that is used to produce metal oxide powder from metal alkoxide. Alkoxide is alkyl derivative molecule of alcohol. In the sol-gel method, metal alkoxide dissolves in suitable organic solvent and then reacts with water to introduce hydrolysis reaction. In hydrolysis reaction, the metal-alkoxide bonds $\left(\text{M}-\text{OR}\right)$ breaks and metal-hydroxide $\left(\text{M}-\text{OH}\right)$ will form. This new product is known as sol.

After formation of sol, the water molecules from sol molecule get eliminated to form bridge bonding and form a gel-like material. The excess water then removed from heating and convert gel into fine powder.