Synthesis and characterization of tetrathiol-substituted double-decker or ladder silsesquioxane nano-cores

Tetra(3-mercaptopropyl)-silsesquioxanes with double-decker (DDSQ) or ladder nano-cores were easily prepared from the corresponding tetraallyl derivatives through fast and convenient thiol-ene reactions. An additional tetrathiol-DDSQ with more flexible arms was also synthesized in high yield from the corresponding tetrachloro-DDSQ derivative. The three novel tetrathiol silsesquioxanes described represent versatile building blocks for the preparation of hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

Automated summary

Tetra(3-mercaptopropyl)-silsesquioxanes with double-decker (DDSQ) or ladder nano-cores can be easily prepared through efficient thiol-ene reactions. Additionally, a more flexible tetrathiol-DDSQ was synthesized in high yield from the corresponding tetrachloro-DDSQ derivative. These novel tetrathiol silsesquioxanes serve as versatile building blocks for hybrid organic-inorganic materials preparation.