Process for preparing powder of silicon compound

摘要

An alkoxysilane is brought into a hydrolysis-polycondensation reaction using a fluoride salt, e.g. NaF, or a fluorine-containing silicon compound having an Si-F bond in its molecule, e.g. FSi(OCH3)3, as a catalyst, to produce a powder of a silicon compound such as silica. The process reduces markedly the period of time required for the hydrolysis-polycondensation reaction and yields a porous silicon compound powder with low bulk specific gravity. The catalyst is excellent in handleability and safety.