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Direct process
The direct process, also called the direct synthesis, Rochow process, and Müller-Rochow process is the most common technology for preparing organosilicon compounds on an industrial scale. It was first reported independently by Eugene G. Rochow and Richard Müller in the 1940s.[1][2]
The process involves copper-catalyzed reactions of alkyl halides with elemental silicon, which take place in a fluidized bed reactor. Although theoretically possible with any alkyl halide, the best results in terms of selectivity and yield occur with chloromethane (CH3Cl). Typical conditions are 300 °C and 2–5 bar. These conditions allow for 90–98% conversion for silicon and 30–90% for chloromethane. Approximately 1.4 Mton of dimethyldichlorosilane (Me2SiCl2) is produced annually using this process.[3]
Few companies actually carry out the Rochow process, because of the complex technology and high capital requirements. Since the silicon is crushed prior to reaction in a fluidized bed, the companies practicing this technology are referred to as silicon crushers.[4]
- ^ Rösch, L.; John, P.; Reitmeier, R. (2003). "Organic Silicon Compounds". Ullmann's Encyclopedia of Industrial Chemistry. Weinheim: Wiley-VCH. doi:10.1002/14356007.a24_021. ISBN 978-3527306732..
- ^ Pachaly, B.; Weis, J. (1997). "The Direct Process to Methylchlorosilanes: Reflections on Chemistry and Process Technology". Organosilicon Chemistry III. pp. 478–483. doi:10.1002/9783527619900.ch79. ISBN 978-3-527-29450-3.
- ^ Elschenbroich, Christoph Organometallics VCH, Weinheim, Germany: 1992. ISBN 978-3-527-29390-2.
- ^ "Basic Silicone Chemistry – A Review" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2011-05-16. Retrieved 2010-01-26.
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