Preparation of T8 and double-decker silsesquioxane-based Janus-type molecules: molecular modeling and DFT insights

We present a methodology for the synthesis of inorganic-organic Janus-type molecules based on mono-T8 and difunctionalized double-decker silsesquioxanes (DDSQs) via hydrosilylation reactions, achieving exceptionally high yields and selectivities. The synthesized compounds were extensively characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, and their sizes and spatial arrangements were predicted through molecular modelling and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Quantum chemical calculations were employed to examine the interactions among four molecules of the synthesized compounds. These computational results allowed us to determine the propensity for molecular aggregation, identify the functional groups involved in these interactions, and understand the changes in interatomic distances during aggregation. Understanding the aggregation behaviour of silsesquioxane molecules is crucial for tailoring their properties for specific applications, such as nanocomposites, surface coatings, drug delivery systems, and catalysts. Through a combination of experimental and computational approaches, this study provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of silsesquioxane-based Janus-type molecules for enhanced performance across various fields.

Open and Closed Cage Silsesquioxane Dimers

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is an organic-inorganic hybrid molecule with two structural variations, closed- and open-cage configurations, referred to as completely condensed POSS (CC-POSS) and corner-opened POSS (CO-POSS), respectively. In this study, we synthesized 12 dimers by combining CC- and CO-POSS variants decorated with isobutyl or phenyl substituents to explore their structure-property relationships. The choice of substituents, both at the cage vertices and open sites, significantly affected the thermal and optical properties of the materials. Modifying the substituents on CO- and CC-POSS, which are isomers, led to significant alterations in the material properties. Notably, isomer-bearing carbazole substituents exhibited a substantially higher quantum yield (0.32) than its counterpart isomer (0.13), underscoring the crucial role of structural nuances in determining material performance. These results offer valuable insights for the design of novel silsesquioxane-based materials.

The Recent Advances of Polymer-POSS Nanocomposites With Low Dielectric Constant

This study provides a comprehensive overview of the preparation methods for polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) monomers and polymer/POSS nanocomposites. It focuses on the latest advancements in using POSS to design polymer nanocomposites with reduced dielectric constants. The study emphasizes exploring the potential of POSS, either alone or in combination with other materials, to decrease the dielectric constant and dielectric loss of various polymers, including polyimides, bismaleimide resins, poly(aryl ether)s, polybenzoxazines, benzocyclobutene resins, polyolefins, cyanate ester resins, and epoxy resins. In addition, the research investigates the impact of incorporating POSS on improving the thermal properties, mechanical properties, surface properties, and other aspects of these polymers. The entire study is divided into two parts, discussing systematically the role of POSS in reducing dielectric constants during the preparation of POSS composites using both physical blending and chemical synthesis methods. The goal of this research is to provide valuable strategies for designing a new generation of low dielectric constant materials suitable for large-scale integrated circuits in the semiconductor materials domain.

Preparation and Characterization of Chloroprene Latexes Modified with Vinyl-POSS

Water-based chloroprene latex is a solvent-free, environmentally friendly adhesive. Currently, its market demand is growing rapidly. However, there are problems such as a lack of heat resistance and poor mechanical properties, which limit its application. The introduction of vinyl-POSS (OVS) into the resin structure can effectively improve the thermal stability of chloroprene adhesives. In this paper, modified waterborne chloroprene latex was prepared by copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and OVS with chloroprene latex. The results showed that vinyl-POSS was successfully grafted onto the main chain of the waterborne chloroprene latex, and the modified waterborne chloroprene latex had good storage stability. With the increase in vinyl-POSS, the tensile strength of the chloroprene latex firstly increased and then decreased, the tensile property (peel strength of 20.2 kgf) was maintained well at a high temperature (100 °C), and the thermal stability of the chloroprene latex was improved. When the addition amount was 4%, the comprehensive mechanical properties were their best. This study provides a new idea for the construction of a new and efficient waterborne chloroprene latex system and provides more fields for the practical application of waterborne chloroprene latex. This newly developed vinyl-POSS modified chloroprene latex has great application potential for use in home furniture, bags, and seat cushions.

Improvement of Heat Resistance of Fluorosilicone Rubber Employing Vinyl-Functionalized POSS as a Chemical Crosslinking Agent

Fluorosilicone rubber (F-LSR) is a promising material that can be applied in various cutting-edge industries. However, the slightly lower thermal resistance of F-LSR compared with that of conventional PDMS is difficult to overcome by applying nonreactive conventional fillers that readily agglomerate owing to their incompatible structure. Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane with vinyl groups (POSS-V) is a suitable material that may satisfy this requirement. Herein, F-LSR-POSS was prepared using POSS-V as a chemical crosslinking agent chemically bonded with F-LSR through hydrosilylation. All F-LSR-POSSs were successfully prepared and most of the POSS-Vs were uniformly dispersed in the F-LSR-POSSs, as confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-NMR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements. The mechanical strength and crosslinking density of the F-LSR-POSSs were determined using a universal testing machine (UTM) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), respectively. Finally, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements confirmed that the low-temperature thermal properties were maintained, and the heat resistance was significantly improved compared with conventional F-LSR. Eventually, the poor heat resistance of the F-LSR was overcome with three-dimensional high-density crosslinking by introducing POSS-V as a chemical crosslinking agent, thereby expanding the potential fluorosilicone applications.

Boronate Avidity Assisted by Dendrimer-like Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes for a Microfluidic Platform for Selective Enrichment of Ubiquitination and Glycosylation

A new strategy of improving boronate avidity with good accessibility of sites was suggested by utilizing a dendrimer-like structure of boron materials based on octavinyl-polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (Ov-POSS). 3-(Acrylamido)phenylboronic acid (AAPBA) was used as a functional monomer and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EDMA) and Ov-POSS as cross-linkers. The resulting Ov-POSS cross-linked boron monolith exhibited 27 times stronger affinity for glycoproteins than the Ov-POSS-free monolith. Importantly, the bonding strength of the poly(AAPBA-co-Ov-POSS-co-EDMA) monolith to the glycoproteins with multiple sugars, horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was 4 orders of magnitude higher than that of the single cis-diol-containing compound. The resulting monolith was used as a part of a microfluidic platform for online processing of the protein extracts from mouse liver, which integrated five functions, including protein grading, denaturation, enzymatic hydrolysis, and enrichment of glycopeptides and ubiquitin-modified peptides. The sample processing time can be reduced by nearly half compared to the offline method. Moreover, 86.7% of glycopeptides and 75% of glycoproteins were newly identified after treatment. All of the results indicated that the synergistic strategy of Ov-POSS cross-linking can significantly improve trace glycosylation's binding capacity and enrichment performance. The microfluidic platform developed may provide a promising technical tool for automated, high-efficiency, high-throughput analysis for post-translational modification proteomics.

Distinct insight into the use of difunctional double-decker silsesquioxanes as building blocks for alternating A–B type macromolecular frameworks

A distinct look at known, hydrosilylation reactions used for the formation of DDSQ-based linear A–B alternating macromolecular systems with DPn > 1000 is presented. Selected physicochemical properties of obtained hybrid co-polymers were determined.

Slick Synthetic Approach to Various Fluoroalkyl Silsesquioxanes-Assessment of their Dielectric Properties

We present a smart and efficient methodology for the synthesis of a variety of fluorinated silsesquioxanes (SQs) with diverse Si-O-Si core architecture. The protocol is based on an easy-to-handle and selective hydrosilylation reaction. An investigation on the placement of the reactive Si-HC=CH₂ vs. Si-H in the silsesquioxane, as well as silane vs. olefin structure, respectively, on the progress and selectivity of the hydrosilylation process, was studied. Two alternative synthetic pathways for obtaining a variety of fluorine-functionalized silsesquioxanes were developed. As a result, a series of mono- and octa- T₈ SQs, tri- 'open-cage' T₇ SQs, in addition to di- and tetrafunctionalized double-decker silsesquioxane (DDSQ) derivatives, were obtained selectively with high yields. All products were characterized by spectroscopic (NMR, FTIR) techniques. Selected samples were subjected to the measurements revealing their dielectric permittivity in a wide range of temperatures (from -100 °C to 100 °C) and electric field frequencies (10⁰-10⁶ Hz).

Progress in the self-assembly of organic/inorganic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) hybrids

This Review describes recent progress in the self-assembly of organic/inorganic POSS hybrids derived from mono-, di-, and multi-functionalized POSS cages. We highlight the self-assembled structures and physical properties of giant surfactants and chain-end- and side-chain-type hybrids derived from mono-functionalized POSS cages; main-chain-type hybrids derived from di-functionalized POSS cages; and star-shaped hybrids derived from multi-functionalized POSS cages; with various polymeric attachments, including polystyrene, poly(methyl methacrylate), phenolic, PVPh, and polypeptides.

Design of Fluorescent Hybrid Materials Based on POSS for Sensing Applications

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) has a nanoscale silicon core and eight organic functional groups on the surface, with sizes from 0.7 to 1.5 nm. The three-dimensional nanostructures of POSS can be used to build all types of hybrid materials with specific performance and controllable nanostructures. The applications of POSS-based fluorescent materials have spread across various fields. In particular, the employment of POSS-based fluorescent materials in sensing application can achieve high sensitivity, selectivity, and stability. As a result, POSS-based fluorescent materials are attracting increasing attention due to their fascinating vistas, including unique structural features, easy fabrication, and tunable optical properties by molecular design. Here, we summarize the current available POSS-based fluorescent materials from design to sensing applications. In the design section, we introduce synthetic strategies and structures of the functionalized POSS-based fluorescent materials, as well as photophysical properties. In the application section, the typical POSS-based fluorescent materials used for the detection of various target objects are summarized with selected examples to elaborate on their wide applications.

Well-defined cyclic silanol derivatives

Cyclic silanol derivatives (CSDs), possessing siloxane rings consisting of T-unit silicon and oxygen atoms, are considered efficient precursors for the preparation of versatile well-defined building blocks of hybrid materials such as cyclic, cage- or ladder-type SQs. This review provides an outline of the main synthetic routes to numerous stereoregular CSDs with different sizes of siloxane rings since the first example of CSDs reported by Brown et al. in 1965. The typical reaction conditions and chemical shifts of ²⁹Si NMR of all mentioned CSDs in this review are summarized in tables and schemes to recapitulate the state of the art. The synthesis of all-cis-cyclotetrasiloxanes (T₄), the most investigated CSDs, and their functionalization by different organic reactions to access various all-cis-T₄ with functional groups are methodically presented. Moreover, the potential of CSDs in multiple application fields is discussed to show the possible research directions of this family of compounds in the future.

Polymethacrylates containing cage-silsesquioxanes in the side chains: effects of cage and linker structures on film properties

Polymers in which cage-silsesquioxanes were tethered through urethane linkers, were newly synthesized. The free-standing films were supported by the hydrogen bonding networks. Their properties were dependent on the cage structure.

Silicon nanostructure-doped polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites for low voltage-driven smart windows

In this work, two silicon nanostructures were doped into polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites to regulate the electric-optical performance. Commercial SiO₂nanoparticles and synthesized thiol polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS-SH) were chosen as the dopants to afford the silicon nanostructures. SiO₂nanoparticles were physically dispersed in the composites and the nanostructure from POSS-SH was implanted into the polymer matrix of the composites via photoinduced thiol-ene crosslinking. Scanning electron microscopy results indicated that the implantation of POSS microstructure into the polymer matrix was conducive to obtaining the uniform porous polymer microstructures in the composites while the introduction of SiO₂nanoparticles led to the loose and heterogeneous polymer morphologies. The electric-optical performance test results also demonstrated that the electric-optical performance regulation effect of POSS microstructure was more obvious than that of SiO₂nanoparticles. The driving voltage was reduced by almost 80% if the concentration of POSS-SH in the composite was nearly 8 wt% and the sample could be completely driven by the electric field whose voltage was lower than the safe voltage for continuous contact (24 V). This work could provide a creative approach for the regulation of electric-optical performance for polymer/nematic liquid crystal composites and the fabrication of low voltage-driven PDLC films for smart windows.

Use of Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane (POSS) in Drug Delivery, Photodynamic Therapy and Bioimaging

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) have attracted considerable attention in the design of novel organic-inorganic hybrid materials with high performance capabilities. Features such as their well-defined nanoscale structure, chemical tunability, and biocompatibility make POSS an ideal building block to fabricate hybrid materials for biomedical applications. This review highlights recent advances in the application of POSS-based hybrid materials, with particular emphasis on drug delivery, photodynamic therapy and bioimaging. The design and synthesis of POSS-based materials is described, along with the current methods for controlling their chemical functionalization for biomedical applications. We summarize the advantages of using POSS for several drug delivery applications. We also describe the current progress on using POSS-based materials to improve photodynamic therapies. The use of POSS for delivery of contrast agents or as a passivating agent for nanoprobes is also summarized. We envision that POSS-based hybrid materials have great potential for a variety of biomedical applications including drug delivery, photodynamic therapy and bioimaging.

Beads on a Chain Fluorescent Oligomeric Materials: Interactions of Conjugated Organic Cross-Linkers with Silsesquioxane Cages

Organic electronic materials have advantages over inorganics in terms of versatility, cost, and processability. Recent advancements in organic materials for light-emitting diodes (OLED), field effect transistors (OFET), and photovoltaics have engendered extensive innovation potential on this field. In this research, we focus on synthesizing SQ (silsesquioxane) based oligomers cross-linked by dibromo-aromatic linkers and explore how the cross-linker influences their photophysical properties. Bis-trialkoxy silyl (linker) model compounds were synthesized to compare noncage photophysical properties with the oligomers. Several techniques such as UV/vis, fluorescence, FTIR, and thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) have been used to characterize the systems. Time-resolved fluorescence and femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy were used to understand the excited state dynamics of these materials. Studies were carried out to understand the differences between monomers and oligomers and potential energy transfer and charge transfer between the cages and cross-linking chromophores. Transient absorption showed lower energy absorption from the excited states, suggesting short-range communication between moieties. Single photon counting studies have shown distinct lifetime differences between most linkers and cages display possible excitation energy transfer through these materials. Transient absorption anisotropy measurements have shown signatures for excitation energy transfer between linker chromophores for oligomeric compounds. The silsesquioxane (SQ) backbone of the oligomers gives substantial thermal stability as well as solution processability, giving better flexibility for achieving energy transfer between linking chromophores.

Photoregulated Morphological Transformation of Spiropyran Derivatives Achieving the Tunability of Interfacial Hydrophilicity

Regulation of self-assembly morphology is an effective strategy to obtain advanced functional materials with expected properties. However, achieving remarkable morphological transformation by light irradiation is still a challenge. Herein, three simple spiropyran derivatives (SP1, SP2, and SP3) are constructed, achieving different degrees of morphological transformation from nanospheres to hollow tadpole-like structures (SP3), tubular structures (SP2), and microsheets (SP1) after ultraviolet light irradiation. Interestingly, the hollow tadpole-like structures (SP3) can further extend to Y-shaped or T-shaped tubular morphology. In the process, SP1, SP2, and SP3 can be isomerized from a closed-ring form (hydrophobicity) to an open-ring form (hydrophilicity) in different degrees, interacting differently with methanol solvent molecules. The formation of hollow structures or microsheets along with the isomerization of spiropyran derivatives contributes to the adjustment of the hydrophilicity of the interface. Therefore, SP1, SP2, and SP3 with photoregulated morphological transformation show promising applications in tunable interface materials.

Alkenyl-Functionalized Open-Cage Silsesquioxanes (RSiMe2O)3R'7Si7O9: A Novel Class of Building Nanoblocks

Trifunctional incompletely condensed polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (RSiMe₂O)₃R′₇Si₇O₉ (IC-POSSs) are considered as intriguing building nanoblocks dedicated to constructing highly advanced organic–inorganic molecules and polymers. Up to now, they have been mainly obtained via hydrosilylation of olefins, while the hydrosilylation of the C≡C bonds has not been studied at all, despite the enormous potential of this approach resulting from the possibility of introducing 3, 6, or even more functional groups into the IC-POSS structure. Therefore, in this work, we present a highly selective and efficient synthesis of the first example of tripodal alkenyl-functionalized IC-POSSs, obtained via platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation of the terminal and internal alkynes, as well as symmetrically and nonsymmetrically 1,4-disubstituted buta-1,3-diynes with silsesquioxanes (HSiMe₂O)₃R′₇Si₇O₉ (R′ = i-C₄H₉ (1a), (H₃C)₃CH₂C(H₃C)HCH₂C (1b)). The resulting products are synthetic intermediates that contain C=C bonds and functional groups (e.g., OSiMe₃, SiR₃, Br, F, B(O(C(CH₃)₂)₂ (Bpin)), thienyl), which make them suitable for application in the synthesis of novel, complex, hybrid materials with unique properties.

The first example of the synthesis of alkenyl-functionalized open-cage silsesquioxanes (IC-POSS) via platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation of C−C triple bonds in alkynes and buta-1,3-diynes is presented. The optimized synthetic procedure allowed for the selective and efficient synthesis of 20 new functional molecules capable of further modification by hydrosilylation, hydroboration, or other chemical processes.

Luminescent Neutral Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes Featuring a Cubic Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxane for Lipid Droplet Imaging and Photocytotoxic Applications

New neutral iridium(III) complexes featuring a cubic polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) unit, [Ir(N^∧C)₂(L1-POSS)] [HN^∧C = 2-phenylpyridine (Hppy; 1), 2-phenylbenzothioazole (Hbt; 2), and 2-(1-naphthyl)benzothiazole (Hbsn; 3); L1-POSS = (E)-4-[(2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]benzyl 3-heptakis(isobutyl)POSS-propyl carbamate], were designed and synthesized. Their POSS-free counterparts, [Ir(N^∧C)₂(L1)] [L1 = (E)-N-(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)-1-(2-hydroxyphenyl)methanimine; HN^∧C = Hppy (1a), Hbt (2a), and Hbsn (3a)], and the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives [Ir(N^∧C)₂(L1-PEG)] [L1-PEG = (E)-4-[(2-hydroxybenzylidene)amino]benzyl 3-[2-[ω-methoxypoly(1-oxapropyl)]ethyl]carbamate; HN^∧C = Hppy (1b), Hbt (2b), and Hbsn (3b)] were also prepared. The photophysical, photochemical, and biological properties of the POSS complexes were compared with those of their POSS-free and PEG-modified counterparts. Upon irradiation, all of these complexes displayed orange-to-red emission and long emission lifetimes under ambient conditions. The bsn complexes 3, 3a, and 3b exhibited the highest singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation quantum yields (Φ_Δ = 0.85-0.86) in aerated CH₃CN. Laser-scanning confocal microscopy images revealed that complexes 1-3 and 1a-3a showed exclusive lipid-droplet staining upon cellular uptake, while the PEG derivatives 1b-3b displayed lysosomal localization. Complex 3 was utilized to study various lipid-droplet-related biological events including lipid-droplet accumulation under oleic acid stimulation, the movement of lipid droplets, and preadipocyte differentiation. Notably, 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays indicated that the ppy complexes 1 and 1b and the bt complexes 2 and 2b were noncytotoxic both in the dark and upon irradiation at 450 nm for 5 min (IC₅₀ > 200 μM), while the bsn complexes 3, 3a, and 3b showed low dark cytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 52.9 to >200 μM) and high photocytotoxicity (IC₅₀ = 1.1-5.3 μM). The cellular uptake, internalization mechanisms, and cell death pathways of these complexes were also investigated. This work not only offers promising luminescent probes for lipid droplets through the structural modification of iridium(III) complexes but also paves the way to the construction of new reagents for theranostics.

Synthesis and characterization of tetrathiol-substituted double-decker or ladder silsesquioxane nano-cores

Tetra(3-mercaptopropyl)-silsesquioxanes with double-decker (DDSQ) or ladder nano-cores were easily prepared from the corresponding tetraallyl derivatives through fast and convenient thiol-ene reactions. An additional tetrathiol-DDSQ with more flexible arms was also synthesized in high yield from the corresponding tetrachloro-DDSQ derivative. The three novel tetrathiol silsesquioxanes described represent versatile building blocks for the preparation of hybrid organic-inorganic materials.

1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Nitrile Oxides under "Non-Conventional" Conditions: Green Solvents, Irradiation, and Continuous Flow

The 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions (DCs) of nitrile oxides (NOs) to alkenes and alkynes are useful methods for the synthesis of 2-isoxazolines and isoxazoles respectively, which are important classes of heterocyclic compounds in organic and medicinal chemistry. Most of these reactions are carried out in organic solvents and under thermal activation. Nevertheless the use of supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO₂ ) and ionic liquids (Ils) as alternative solvents and the application of microwave (MW) and ultrasound (US) as alternative activation procedures have evident advantages from the "Green Chemistry" point of view. The critical discussion on the applications of these "unconventional" activation methods and reaction conditions in the 1,3-DCs of NOs is the objective of the present Review.

The synthesis of thermoresponsive POSS-based eight-arm star poly(N-isopropylacrylamide): A comparison between Z-RAFT and R-RAFT strategies

Z-Type POSS-based eight-arm star poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), POSS-(PNIPAM)₈-Z, is synthesized and demonstrated to be a thermoresponsive switchable emulsifier.

Porous silsesquioxane cage and porphyrin nanocomposites: sensing and adsorption for heavy metals and anions

A porous silsesquioxane cage/porphyrin nanocomposite was designed as a dual fluorescent probe for the sensing and adsorption of both heavy metal ions and anions.

Assembly of discrete and oligomeric structures of organotin double-decker silsesquioxanes: inherent stability studies

Discrete and oligomeric organotin DDSQs have been synthesized and characterized, both experimentally and through computational study. The stability of these compounds remains intrigued with the organization of their structure in the crystal lattice.

Polysiloxanes Grafted with Mono(alkenyl)Silsesquioxanes-Particular Concept for Their Connection

Herein, a facile and efficient synthetic route to unique hybrid materials containing polysiloxanes and mono(alkyl)silsesquioxanes as their pendant modifiers (T₈@PS) was demonstrated. The idea of this work was to apply the hydrosilylation reaction as a tool for the efficient and selective attachment of mono(alkenyl)substituted silsesquioxanes (differing in the alkenyl chain length, from -vinyl to -dec-9-enyl and types of inert groups iBu, Ph at the inorganic core) onto two polysiloxanes containing various amount of Si-H units. The synthetic protocol, determined and confirmed by FT-IR in situ and NMR analyses, was optimized to ensure complete Si-H consumption along with the avoidance of side-products. A series of 20 new compounds with high yields and complete β-addition selectivity was obtained and characterized by spectroscopic methods.

Preparation of Tri(alkenyl)functional Open-Cage Silsesquioxanes as Specific Polymer Modifiers

The scientific reports on polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes are mostly focused on the formation of completely condensed T₈ cubic type structures and recently so-called double-decker derivatives. Herein, we report on efficient synthetic routes leading to trifunctionalized, open-cage silsesquioxanes with alkenyl groups of varying chain lengths from -vinyl to -dec-9-enyl and two types of inert groups (iBu, Ph) at the silsesquioxane core. The presented methodology was focused on hydrolytic condensation reaction and it enabled obtaining titled compounds with high yields and purity. A parallel synthetic methodology that was based on the hydrosilylation reaction was also studied. Additionally, a thorough characterization of the obtained compounds was performed, also in terms of their thermal stability, melting and crystallization temperatures (TGA and DSC) in order to show the changes in the abovementioned parameters dependent on the type of reactive as well as inert groups at Si-O-Si core. The presence of unsaturated alkenyl groups has a profound impact on the application potential of these systems, i.e., as modifiers or comonomers for copolymerization reaction.

Cage-like silsesquioxanes-based hybrid materials

Cage-like silsesquioxanes are considered to be ideal and versatile building blocks of hybrid materials due to their unique structures and excellent performance. This Perspective highlights recent advances in the field of cage-like silsesquioxane-based hybrid materials, ranging from monomer functionalization and materials preparation to application. The existing issues are reviewed and the challenges and prospects in this field are also discussed for further development and exploitation.

Synthesis and properties of chromophore-functionalized monovinylsilsesquioxane derivatives

Herein, an effective and selective synthesis of chromophore-functionalized monovinylsilsesquioxane derivatives by a cross-metathesis reaction along with discussion of their photophysical and thermal resistance properties is disclosed.

POSS nanostructures in catalysis

In this review we highlight the use of appealing POSS-based nanostructures for both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalytic applications.

Anthracene–styrene-substituted m-carborane derivatives: insights into the electronic and structural effects of substituents on photoluminescence

Efficient light emitters based on anthracene derivatives were developed. We prove that m-carborane is a perfect scaffold for coupling to anthracene giving rise to superb emitters in solution, while keeping the emission properties in aggregate state.

Synthesis of structured polysiloxazanes via a Piers-Rubinsztajn reaction

A series of siloxazanes were successfully prepared by a Piers-Rubinsztajn reaction between methoxydisilazanes and the corresponding hydrosilanes. Polysiloxazanes with narrow dispersion were also synthesized from methoxydisilazanes and Si-H terminated oligosiloxanes. The possible interaction mechanism between tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane and the methoxydisilazane was investigated.

Diphenylphosphine-Substituted Ferrocene/Silsesquioxane-Based Hybrid Porous Polymers as Highly Efficient Adsorbents for Water Treatment

The study describes the synthesis of two porous hybrid polymers (abbreviated as DPPF-HPP and DPPOF-HPP) from the Friedel-Crafts reaction of octavinylsilsesquioxane with 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphine)ferrocene (DPPF) and 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphine oxide)ferrocene (DPPOF), respectively. DPPF-HPP and DPPOF-HPP possess surface areas of about 890 and 780 m² g^-1, respectively, as well as similar pore structures of the coexisting micropores and mesopores. They are excellent materials for high adsorption of different dyes with adsorption capacities of 2280 mg g^-1 for Congo Red and 1440 mg g^-1 for Crystal Violet. DPPF-HPP also shows a strong affinity to adsorb Hg²⁺ ions (300 mg g^-1). These materials show no sign of degradation under repeated cycles and thus offer potential for wastewater treatment.