Functionalized silicone resins, methods for their preparation, and use as catalysts

A method of preparing a silicone resin, comprising:

• reacting a mercapto-functionalized alkoxysilane, an organosilyl sulfonic acid compound, and at least one reactant selected from the group consisting of a metal alkoxide compound, a bis(silyl) compound, and a poly(alkoxysiloxane) to produce a silicone resin comprising structural units of the formulae:
• and at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of:
• wherein “A” is a spacer group comprising C2 to C50 alkyl groups;
• “B” and “C” are spacer groups comprising C2 to C20 alkyl groups;
• “M1” comprises a Group III element;
• R1, R3, R6, and R7 independently comprise OH, alkyl groups, or alkoxy groups;
• R2 and R4 independently comprise hydrogen, alkali metal, or alkyl groups;
• and R5 comprises a alkyl group.

A method of preparing a silicone resin, comprising:

• reacting 1,4-bis(2-trihydroxysilylethyl)benzene;
• 3 mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane, 3-trimethoxysilylpropanesulfonic acid, and a metal alkoxide compound to produce a silicone resin comprising structural units of the formula:
• wherein R5 comprises a alkl group;
• and “M2” is an element selected from the group consisting of silicon, titanium, and zirconium.

A method of producing an aromatic bisphenol, wherein said method comprises reacting a carbonyl compound with an aromatic hydroxy compound in the presence of a functionalized silicone resin catalyst;

• wherein said functionalized silicone resin catalyst comprises structural units of the formula:
• and at least one structural unit selected from the group consisting of:
• wherein “A” comprises a C2 to C50 alkyl group;
• “B” and “C” independently comprise a C2 to C20 alkyl group;
• “M1” comprises a Group III element;
• R1, R3, R6, and R7 independently comprise OH, alkyl groups, or alkoxy groups;
• R2 and R4 independently comprise hydrogen, alkali metal, or alkyl groups;
• and R5 comprises a alkyl group.