Preparation of modified polysiloxanes

Abstract

The specification describes a method of preparing a polysiloxane including at least one siloxane unit having a silicon-bonded group --OX in which X is a saturated or unsaturated hydrocarbon group, for example methyl, alkenyl or alkynyl. The method comprises bringing about chemical reaction between a polymer having at least one siloxane unit having a silicon-bonded hydroxyl group and an alcohol of the general formula HOX in presnece of an acidic condensation catalyst of the formula (i) RSO.sub.3 H in which R represents an alkyl, aryl or alkaryl group which may be halogenated at a temperature of less than 50.degree. C. under conditions to cause condensation reaction between hydroxyl groups of the siloxane units and the alcohol. Preferred polymers are polyorganosiloxanes comprising predominantly dimethyl siloxane units especially those prepared by polymerization of a precursor siloxane comprising at least two siloxane units which have a silicon-bonded hydroxyl group in presence of an acidic condensation catalyst of the formula (i). Preferably the group R of the acidic condensation catalyst is an alkyl group having a chain of 6 to 18 carbon atoms or a group R'C.sub.6 H.sub.4 where R' represents an alkyl group having 6 to 18 carbon atoms, for example dodecylbenzenesulphonic acid. Water may be present in the reaction mixture to an extent of not more than 7 moles per mole of acidic condensation catalyst. A basic material, e.g. calcium carbonate or magnesium carbonate may be added to the reaction mixture to neutralize the catalyst. Also disclosed are curable compositions including a polysiloxane made according to the invention.