Chemical Background of Silicones: The siloxane linkage as a structure-building device gives variety and versatility to the silicones.

The silicones are in most cases relatively complex mixtures rather than pure molecular species. Their structures and chemical properties can be controlled, however, with sufficient reproducibility to give compositions with unique characteristics. The organic groups serve not only as a device for controlling the siloxane structures, but offer an important means of modifying the physical and chemical properties. Studies of the inductive effects in the organosilicon compounds enhance our understanding of the nature of chemical bonds. In each field of application an extensive technology has developed for the adaptation of silicones to special needs. The possibility of new compositions to serve science and technology seems to be unlimited.