STERICALLY HINDERED ALKOXY SILOXANE CLUSTER COMPOUNDS

Novel alkoxysilane cluster compounds are described having the formula M {OSiÓSi(OR')3!3}a or M {OSiRÓSi(OR')3!2}a wherein a 3 2, 3 or 4; M is a substituted or unsubstituted branched or straight chain hydrocarbon di-, tri- or tetraradical having up to 25 carbon atoms; R is hydrogen, an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl group and each R' is independently selected from the same group as R with the proviso that at least a majority of R' radicals are sterically hindered alkyl groups having at least 3 carbon atoms. The preparation of these novel alkoxysilane cluster compounds is also described. These novel compounds are useful as heat transfer fluids, hydraulic fluids, brake fluids or transmission fluids. Novel alkoxysilane cluster compounds are described having the formula M {OSi¢OSi(OR')3!3}a or M {OSiR¢OSi(OR')3!2}a wherein a 3 2, 3 or 4; M is a substituted or unsubstituted branched or straight chain hydrocarbon di-, tri- or tetraradical having up to 25 carbon atoms; R is hydrogen, an alkyl, alkenyl, aryl or aralkyl group and each R' is independently selected from the same group as R with the proviso that at least a majority of R' radicals are sterically hindered alkyl groups having at least 3 carbon atoms. The preparation of these novel alkoxysilane cluster compounds is also described. These novel compounds are useful as heat transfer fluids, hydraulic fluids, brake fluids or transmission fluids.