A simple access to ω-aminoalkyltrialkoxysilanes: Tunable linkers for self-organised organosilicas

A simple route to ω-aminoalkyltriethoxysilanes with variable alkylene chain lengths, (EtO)3Si(CH2)nNH2 (n = 5, 11) is described. These silyl linkers have been used to prepare urea-based compounds with H-bonding and hydrophobic interactions which enable the self-assembly of the molecules. These molecular precursors are suitable for the obtention of nano-structured hybrid silicas.