Question

What are silicones? Where are they used?

Answer 1

 Silicones are organosilicon polymers having R₂SiO (where, R = CH₃ or C₆H₅ group) as a repeating unit held together by

Since the empirical formula R₂SiO (where R = CH₃ or C₆H₅ group) is similar to that of ketones (R₂CO), these compounds are named as silicones.

Applications: They are used as

• insulating material for electrical appliances.
• water proofing of fabrics.
• sealant.
• high temperature lubricants.
• for mixing in paints and enamels to make them resistant to high temperature, sunlight and chemicals.