Abstract
A new grafting method of organotin complexes with the surface of highly dehydroxylated silica is reported. Characterisation was achieved by surface microanalysis, in situ IR, solid state 13C CP-MAS and 119Sn MAS NMR. Bu3Sn-O-SnBu3 reacts with the strained siloxanes and opens these bridges at room temperature. The reaction occurs also with the remaining hydroxyl groups and with less strained siloxane bridges, leading in all cases to the same surface organometallic fragment ≡Si-O-SnBu3.