Tetraethyl orthosilicate


Tetraethyl orthosilicate is the chemical compound with the formula Si(OC2H5)4. Often abbreviated TEOS, it is a colorless liquid that degrades in water. TEOS is the ethyl ester of orthosilicic acid, Si(OH)4. It is a prototypical alkoxide.
TEOS is a tetrahedral molecule. Like its many analogues, TEOS is prepared by alcoholysis of silicon tetrachloride: