Past exam of the chemistry B course of the University of Cambridge / 2023 / Paper 2 / B9 / b / i / Solution

First hydrolyse both Si–Cl groups to give a silanol of monomer functionality two, then condense Si–OH groups to form the Si–O–Si backbone:monomer functionality two favours chains, with cyclic oligomers also possible. Removal of condensation products or equilibration under appropriate conditions favours high molar mass. The hydrolysis and condensation can overlap in a one-pot process; the equations distinguish their chemical functions rather than requiring isolation of every silanediol.