Silyl-acetal compounds

A silyl-acetal compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 34
• wherein n represents an integer from 2 to 4;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• with the proviso that m can represent the integer 0 for structures of formula (3) wherein Z represents the group C(R)R′;
• wherein X groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• with the proviso that X does not represent a methyl group, an ethyl group, or a phenyl group in cases where the silyl-acetal compound is of structural formula (2) wherein n represents the integer 1 or the integer 2 wherein R* represents a hydrogen atom wherein Y represents an oxygen atom wherein Z represents the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• with the proviso that Y and Z can not both represent the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

A silyl-acetal compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 35
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• with the proviso that m can represent the integer 0 for structures of formula (3) wherein Z represents the group C(R)R′ wherein X represents a chemical moiety other than a methyl group;
• wherein X groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety other than a methyl, ethyl, butyl, or phenyl in cases where the silyl-acetal compound is of structural formula (1) wherein Y represents an oxygen atom wherein Z represents the moiety C(R)R′ wherein m in equal to the integer 2 or the integer 3;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety other than a methyl group, a tertiary butyl group, or a phenyl group in cases where the silyl-acetal compound is of structural formula (3) wherein Y represents an oxygen atom wherein Z represents the moiety C(R)R′ wherein m in equal to the integer 3;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• with the proviso that Y and Z can not both represent the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) may contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) may be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

A momomer having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 36
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 3;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• with the proviso that m can represent the integer 0 for structures of formula (3) wherein Z represents the group C(R)R′;
• wherein X′ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X′ represents an unsaturated moiety containing at least one non-aromatic double bond;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• with the proviso that Y and Z can not both represent the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

A polymer which is comprised of polymer chains having at least one silyl-acetal moiety bonded thereto, wherein said silyl-acetal moiety is of a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 37
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 3;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• with the proviso that m can represent the integer 0 for structures of formula (3) wherein Z represents the group C(R)R′;
• wherein X″ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X″ represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• with the proviso that Y and Z can not both represent the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

A silyl-acetal compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 38
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein X groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms and SiX3;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

A momomer having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 39
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein X′ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X′ represents an unsaturated moiety containing at least one non-aromatic double bond;
• wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms and SiX′3;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

A polymer which is comprised of polymer chains having at least one silyl-acetal moiety bonded thereto, wherein said silyl-acetal moiety is of a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 40
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein X″ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X″ represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms and X″2Si—;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

An acetal compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 41
• wherein M represents an atom selected from the group consisting of Ge, Sn, Pb, Ti, and Zr;
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• with the proviso that m can represent the integer 0 for structures of formula (3) wherein Z represents the group C(R)R′;
• wherein X groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• with the proviso that Y and Z can not both represent the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

An acetal compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 42
• wherein M represents an atom selected from the group consisting of Ge, Sn, Pb, Ti, and Zr;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein X groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein Q is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms and MX3;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), (6), (7), (8), (9), and (10) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a cyclic hemiacetal having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 43
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12,carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• X4−nSi[Brketopenst]OR″]n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 10° C. to about 50° C., wherein said process is conducted at a pressure which is within the range of about 25 torr to about 75 torr, and wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an alcohol salt of the structural formual M′OR′″ wherein M′ represents a Group Ia metal and wherein R′″ represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a cyclic hemiacetal having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 44
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• X4−nSi[Brketopenst]OR″]n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 10° C. to about 50° C., wherein said process is conducted at a pressure which is within the range of about 25 torr to about 75 torr, and wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an alcohol salt of the structural formual M′OR′″ wherein M′ represents a Group Ia metal and wherein R′″ represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a cyclic hemiacetal of the structural formula:

• 45
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• X4−nSi[Brketopenst]OR″]n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein R″ represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms, wherein X represents a chemical moiety other than a hydrogen atom or a halogen;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about 10° C. to about 50° C., wherein said process is conducted at a pressure which is within the range of about 25 torr to about 75 torr, and wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an alcohol salt of the structural formual M′OR′″ wherein M′ represents a Group Ia metal and wherein R′″ represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to 10 carbon atoms.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a cyclic hemiacetal having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 46
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• X4−nSi[Brketopenst]X*]n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein X* represents a halide atom;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an amine containing compound.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a cyclic hemiacetal having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 47
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), (5), and (6) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• X4−nSi[Brketopenst]X*]n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein X* represents a halide atom;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an amine containing compound.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a cyclic hemiacetal of the structural formula:

• 48
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• 49
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein X* represents a halide atom;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an amine containing compound.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a vinyl ether compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 50
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R″ are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (2) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (2) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• X4−nSi[Brketopenst]OR*]n
• wherein n represents an integer from 3 to 4;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an acid.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting a ester compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 51
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (2) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (2) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• X4−nSi[Brketopenst]X*]n
• wherein n represents an integer from 2 to 4;
• wherein X* is leaving group selected from the group consisting of halide atoms, triflate, and tosylate;
• wherein X represents a chemical moiety;
• wherein said process is conducted in the presence of the reducing agent diisobutylaluminum hydride;
• wherein said process is conducted in the presence of an amine containing compound.

An aqueous polymer composition suitable for use as an adhesive, caulk, sealant, or coating which is comprised of (1) an acid;

• (2) a volatile base selected from the group consisting of NR1R2R3R4OH;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein the amount of volatile base present is sufficient for the aqueous polymer composition to have a pH greater than 7;
• (3) water;
• (4) a resin having repeat units which are derived from (a) a member selected from the group consisting of vinyl monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated diolefin monomers, and acrylic monomers, (b) a momomer having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:
• 52
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 3;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• with the proviso that m can represent the integer 0 for structures of formula (3) wherein Z represents the group C(R)R′;
• wherein X′ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X′ represents an unsaturated moiety containing at least one non-aromatic double bond;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• with the proviso that Y and Z can not both represent the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• (5) a wetting agent;
• and (6) a defoamer.

An aqueous polymer composition suitable for use as an adhesive, caulk, sealant, or coating which is comprised of (1) an acid;

• (2) a volatile base selected from the group consisting of NR1R2R3R4OH;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein the amount of volatile base present is sufficient for the aqueous polymer composition to have a pH greater than 7;
• (3) water;
• (4) a resin having repeat units which are derived from (a) a member selected from the group consisting of vinyl monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated diolefin monomers, and acrylic monomers, and (b) a momomer having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:
• 53
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 3;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein X′ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X′ represents an unsaturated moiety containing at least one non-aromatic double bond;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R″ are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formula (1) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formula (1) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• (5) a wetting agent;
• and (6) a defoamer.

An aqueous polymer composition suitable for use as an adhesive, caulk, sealant, or coating which is comprised of (1) an acid (2) a volatile base selected from the group consisting of NR1R2R3R4OH;

• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be bonded together in any combination in cases R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein the amount of volatile base present is sufficient for the aqueous polymer composition to have a pH greater than 7;
• (3) water;
• (4) a resin having repeat units which are derived from (a) a member selected from the group consisting of vinyl monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated diolefin monomers, and acrylic monomers, and (b) a monomer consisting of the following structure:
• 54
• and (5) a wetting agent;
• and (6) a defoamer.

An organic solvent based polymer composition suitable for use as an adhesive, caulk, sealant, or coating which is comprised of (1) an organic solvent;

• (2) an acid;
• (3) a volatile base selected from the group consisting of NR1R2R3R4OH;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein the amount of volatile base present is sufficient for the organic solvent based polymer composition to be rendered basic;
• (4) a resin having repeat units which are derived from (a) a member selected from the group consisting of vinyl monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated diolefin monomers, and acrylic monomers, and (b) a momomer having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:
• 55
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 3;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• with the proviso that m can represent the integer 0 for structures of formula (3) wherein Z represents the group C(R)R′;
• wherein X′ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X′ represents an unsaturated moiety containing at least one non-aromatic double bond;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, R″, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, R″, and R* are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• with the proviso that Y and Z can not both represent the moiety C(R)R′;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1) and (3) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• (5) a wetting agent;
• and (6) a defoamer.

An organic solvent based polymer composition suitable for use as an adhesive, caulk, sealant, or coating which is comprised of (1) an organic solvent;

• (2) an acid;
• (3) a volatile base selected from the group consisting NR1R2R3R4OH;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein the amount of volatile base present is sufficient for the organic solvent based polymer composition to be rendered basic;
• (4) a resin having repeat units which are derived from (a) a member selected from the group consisting of vinyl monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated diolefin monomers, and acrylic monomers, and (b) a momomer having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:
• 56
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 3;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein X′ groups can be the same or different;
• wherein X′ represents an unsaturated moiety containing at least one non-aromatic double bond;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms, hydroxy groups, and halide atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R″ can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R″ are not hydrogen atoms, halide atoms, or hydroxy groups;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formula (1) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formula (1) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• (5) a wetting agent;
• and (6) defoamer.

An organic solvent based polymer composition suitable for use as an adhesive, caulk, sealant, or coating which is comprised of (1) an organic solvent;

• (2) an acid;
• (3) a volatile base selected from the group consisting of NR1R2R3R4OH;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R1, R2, R3, and R4 can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R1, R2, R3, and R4 are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain halide atoms and heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein the amount of volatile base present is sufficient for the organic solvent based polymer composition to be rendered basic;
• (4) a resin having repeat units which are derived from (a) a member selected from the group consisting of vinyl monomers, vinyl aromatic monomers, conjugated diolefin monomers, and acrylic monomers, and (b) a monomer consisting of the following structure:
• 57
• and (5) a wetting agent;
• and (6) a defoamer.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting the salt of a cyclic hemiacetal having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 59
• wherein A represents an alkali metal atom selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, and potassium;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), (3), (4), and (5) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• R″4−nSiA′n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein A′ represents a halide atom selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about −100° C. to about 50° C.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting the salt of a hemiacetal having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• 60
• wherein A represents an alkali metal atom selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, and potassium;
• wherein m represents an integer from 1 to about 20;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R* is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein R, R′, and R* can be bonded together in any combination in cases where R, R′, and R* are not hydrogen atoms;
• wherein Y represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein Z represents a moiety selected from the group consisting of C(R)R′, oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, and phosphorus;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), and (3) can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein the contiguous cyclic ring in formulas (1), (2), and (3) can be saturated or unsaturated in cases where m represents an integer greater than 1;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• R″4−nSiA′n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms, alkoxy groups containing from 1 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, alkaryl groups, and alkoxy groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein A′ represents a halide atom selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about −100° C. to about 50° C.

A process for synthesizing a silyl-acetal which comprises reacting the salt of a cyclic hemiacetal of the structural formula:

• 61
• wherein A represents an alkali metal atom selected from the group consisting of lithium, sodium, and potassium;
• wherein R and R′ can be the same or different and are selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• with a silicon containing compound of the structural formula:
• R″4−nSiA′n
• wherein n represents an integer from 1 to 4;
• wherein R″ represents an alkyl group containing from 1 to about 10 carbon atoms;
• wherein A′ represents a halide atom selected from the group consisting of fluorine, chlorine, bromine, and iodine;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about −100° C. to about 50° C.

A process for synthesizing the alkali metal salt of a cyclic hemiacetal which comprises reacting the cyclic hemiacetal with an alkali metal compound having a structural formula selected from the group consisting of:

• R**M*
• wherein M* is an alkali metal selected from the group consisting of Li, Na, and K;
• wherein R** is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, and alkaryl groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein said process is conducted in the absence of protic solvents selected from the group consisting of R″OH;
• wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, and alkaryl groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about −100° C. to about 100° C.

A process for synthesizing the sodium salt of a cyclic hemiacetal which comprises reacting the cyclic hemiacetal with sodium hydride;

• wherein said process is conducted in the absence of protic solvents selected from the group consisting of R″OH;
• wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, and alkaryl groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about −100° C. to about 100° C.

A process for synthesizing the sodium salt of tetrahydropyran-2-ol which comprises reacting tetrahydropyran-2-ol with sodium hydride;

• wherein said process is conducted in the absence of protic solvents selected from the group consisting of R″OH;
• wherein R″ is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen atoms, alkyl groups containing from 1 to about 12 carbon atoms, aryl groups containing from about 6 to about 18 carbon atoms, and alkaryl groups containing from 7 to about 18 carbon atoms;
• wherein said alkyl groups, aryl groups, and alkaryl groups can contain heteroatoms selected from the group consisting of oxygen, sulfur, nitrogen, phosphorus, and silicon;
• wherein said process is conducted at a temperature which is within the range of about −100° C. to about 100° C.