Silanol

An unstable compound, the simplest silicon alcohol, consisting of silicon atoms to which hydroxyl substituents bond directly. Silanol groups occur naturally (as in silicic acid and on silicate rocks) or may be synthesized by reacting dimethyldichlorosilane with water. They play an important role in many industrial situations such as the manufacture of silicones and in sol-gel processes, or in water repellent products.