Organosilicon vs. Silicone — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 28, 2023
Organosilicon refers to organic compounds containing silicon, while silicone is a polymer made from organosilicon compounds, primarily used in lubricants, medicine, cooking, and more. Both relate to silicon, but their applications and compositions differ.
Difference Between Organosilicon and Silicone
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Organosilicon compounds, as the name suggests, are a broad category of compounds wherein silicon atoms are bonded to carbon atoms. This class of compounds signifies the merger of organic and inorganic chemistry, given the presence of carbon-silicon (C-Si) bonds. Notably, these compounds can manifest in a variety of structures, including chains and rings.
Silicone, on the other hand, is a specific kind of polymer derived from organosilicon compounds. It's a bit of a linguistic nuance: while all silicones are organosilicon compounds, not all organosilicon compounds are silicones. Silicones typically have a repeating Si-O backbone, and the properties of silicones can change based on the organic groups attached to silicon.
In the realm of applications, organosilicon compounds boast a vast array, from the production of pharmaceuticals to the creation of high-performance materials. Their versatility stems from the unique properties imparted by the silicon-carbon bond, which differs from the traditional carbon-carbon bond found in organic compounds.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Organic compounds containing silicon.
Polymers derived from organosilicon compounds.
Chemical Bonds
Primarily carbon-silicon bonds.
Repeating Si-O backbone.
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Application Scope
Broad (from pharmaceuticals to high-performance materials)
Specific (like sealants, implants, cookware).
Structural Diversity
Can be chains, rings, etc.
Specific polymer structures.
Relationship
Broad category of compounds.
Subset of organosilicon compounds.
Compare with Definitions
Organosilicon
Compounds with carbon-silicon bonds.
Organosilicon compounds are key in the synthesis of certain pharmaceuticals.
Silicone
Material known for temperature resistance.
Silicone oven mitts protect hands from hot pans.
Organosilicon
Merger of organic and inorganic chemistry.
The study of organosilicon has expanded our understanding of chemical bonds.
Silicone
Used in medical, cosmetic, and culinary fields.
Silicone breast implants have been a topic of medical discussion.
Organosilicon
Compounds with diverse structures like chains and rings.
The structure of an organosilicon compound can significantly affect its properties.
Silicone
Polymer with a Si-O backbone.
Silicone sealants are widely used in construction.
Organosilicon
Chemicals having both carbon and silicon atoms.
Organosilicon chemistry has led to breakthroughs in material science.
Silicone
Derived from organosilicon compounds.
Silicone's properties can be traced back to its organosilicon origins.
Organosilicon
Unique compounds distinct from purely organic substances.
Organosilicon compounds have been researched for novel electronic applications.
Silicone
Resistant and flexible material.
Silicone molds are popular for baking due to their non-stick nature.
Organosilicon
Organosilicon compounds are organometallic compounds containing carbon–silicon bonds. Organosilicon chemistry is the corresponding science of their preparation and properties.
Silicone
A silicone or polysiloxane is a polymer made up of siloxane (−R2Si−O−SiR2−, where R = organic group). They are typically colorless, oils or rubber-like substances.
Organosilicon
(chemistry) Describing any of a series of derivatives of silicon that have at least one alkyl or aryl group, especially one containing at least one carbon–silicon bond.
Silicone
Any of a class of synthetic materials which are polymers with a chemical structure based on chains of alternate silicon and oxygen atoms, with organic groups attached to the silicon atoms. Such compounds are typically resistant to chemical attack and insensitive to temperature changes and are used to make rubber and plastics and in polishes and lubricants
Silicone rubber
Modern plastics and silicones
Organosilicon
Any compound of this kind.
Silicone
Join or otherwise treat (something) with a silicone
The raised planting shelf could be siliconed to the back of the tank
Silicone
Any of a large group of oligomers and polymers based on the structural unit R2SiO, where R is an organic group, characterized by wide-range thermal stability, high lubricity, extreme water repellence, and physiological inertness and used in adhesives, lubricants, protective coatings, paints, electrical insulation, synthetic rubber, and prosthetic replacements for body parts.
Silicone
(chemistry) Any of a class of inert, semi-inorganic polymeric compounds (polysiloxanes), that have a wide range of thermal stability and extreme water repellence, used in a very wide range of industrial applications, and in prosthetic replacements for body parts.
Silicone
(transitive) To join or treat (something) with a silicone-based product.
Silicone the bathtub to the tile
Silicone
To enhance or reconstruct (a body part) with a prosthesis containing silicone.
Silicone
Any of a large class of siloxanes that are unusually stable over a wide range of temperatures; used in lubricants and adhesives and coatings and synthetic rubber and electrical insulation
Common Curiosities
Do organosilicon compounds only have silicon and carbon?
No, they can contain other elements, but the defining feature is the carbon-silicon bond.
What's the significance of the carbon-silicon bond in organosilicon compounds?
It imparts unique chemical and physical properties distinct from purely organic compounds.
Can silicones conduct electricity?
Silicones are generally insulating but can be formulated to be conductive.
Is silicone rubber the same as natural rubber?
No, silicone rubber is synthetic and has different properties from natural rubber.
Are all organosilicon compounds safe for human use?
It depends on the specific compound; each should be evaluated individually for safety.
Can organosilicon be found in nature?
While silicon and carbon are natural, most organosilicon compounds are synthetically produced.
Why are silicones used in kitchenware?
Silicones resist high temperatures and have non-stick properties.
Are silicones biodegradable?
Most silicones are not easily biodegradable due to their synthetic nature.
Are all silicones organosilicon compounds?
Yes, all silicones are a type of organosilicon compound.
Why is silicone popular in cosmetics?
Silicones give a smooth texture and are resistant to moisture, making them ideal for cosmetics.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
