Ethyl silicone oil (CAS number: 63148-61-8), as an important branch of organic silicon materials, has demonstrated irreplaceable application value in high-end fields such as industrial lubrication, electronic and electrical, aerospace, etc. due to its unique molecular structure and performance advantages. Its chemical name is polydiethylsiloxane, with a molecular formula of C ₄ H ₁ ₂ O ₂ Si. The main chain is composed of silicon oxygen bonds (Si-O-Si), and the side chain is ethyl (- C ₂ H ₅). Compared with traditional methyl silicone oil, the elongation of the ethyl carbon chain significantly improves its low temperature resistance, electrical insulation, and compatibility with organic solvents.


Performance advantage: Dual guarantee of low-temperature toughness and electrical safety
The working temperature range of ethyl silicone oil covers -60 ℃ to 150 ℃, with a melting point below -70 ℃. It can still maintain fluidity in extreme low temperature environments, making it a key material in the aerospace field. For example, in the lubrication system of satellite components, ethyl silicone oil can ensure stable operation of equipment in low-temperature space environments; In polar scientific research equipment, its low temperature resistance effectively prevents mechanical failures caused by lubrication failure. In addition, ethyl silicone oil has a low dielectric constant and high volume resistivity, making it excellent in high-voltage electrical insulation scenarios such as transformer oil and high-voltage cable fillers. It can significantly reduce the risk of leakage and improve equipment safety.


Preparation process: Parallel green synthesis and precise control
The preparation of ethyl silicone oil is catalyzed by Grignard reagent generated by the reaction of chloroethane and magnesium metal. The product is obtained by hydrolysis and condensation of ethyl orthosilicate in toluene solution, molecular rearrangement, and vacuum distillation. In recent years, the industry has made breakthroughs in process optimization:


Catalyst improvement: New composite catalysts are used to replace traditional heavy metal catalysts, increasing reaction efficiency by 30% while reducing heavy metal residues, which meets environmental requirements.
Molecular weight precise regulation: By controlling the hydrolysis and condensation reaction conditions (such as temperature and pH), different viscosities (2-1000cSt) of ethyl silicone oil can be customized to meet diverse needs such as lubricants, release agents, defoamers, etc.
Green solvent substitution: Replace traditional organic solvents such as toluene with bio based solvents to reduce volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions and promote low-carbon production processes.
Application case: From high-end manufacturing to the field of people's livelihood
Electronic and electrical: In 5G communication base stations, ethyl silicone oil is used as a heat dissipation medium, and its high thermal conductivity (0.2-0.5W/m · K) can quickly dissipate device heat, ensuring signal transmission stability; In new energy vehicle battery packs, their excellent insulation performance and high temperature resistance effectively prevent battery short circuits and thermal runaway.
Aerospace: The inner wall of the fuel delivery pipeline of a certain type of carrier rocket is coated with ethyl silicone oil coating, which utilizes its low surface tension characteristics to reduce fuel residue and improve launch efficiency; Adding ethyl silicone oil to the sealant of satellite solar panels can resist space radiation and extreme temperature alternation, extending equipment life.
In the field of daily chemical products, ethyl silicone oil is used as a softening agent in high-end skincare products. Its colorless, odorless, and non-toxic characteristics have a strong affinity with the skin, and can form a breathable protective film to prevent moisture loss; In shampoo, its low surface tension can improve hair combing and reduce frizz.