Direct synthesis of porous functionalised polysilsesqiuoxanes self-bonded spheres

Direct synthesis of functionalised hard spheres obtained starting from 1,2-bis(triethoxysilyl)ethane (BTSE) as silica precursor is reported. –SH organic moiety comes from 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) and –CN is obtained from 3-cyanopropyltriethoxysilane (CPTES) reagents, respectively. –CN group was hydrolysed in order to obtain –COOH functional group. Syntheses follow S + X – I + assembly pathways.