Ring-polymer interconversions

Since the skeletal framework of the commercially important silicones is composed of siloxane (Si—O) bonds, their ring-ring and ring-polymer interconversions are not only of academic interest but of practical concern as well. Information has been selected electrically here and is meant to help understand the much larger body of information that cannot be included. Of first consideration are the key parameters that govern the ring-chain equilibria of siloxane systems concentration of Si—O skeletal components, functionality of the Si components, ring size, steric effects of Si substituents, temperature and catalytic conditions. These factors are seldom independent. 

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