AbstractWe report that aliphatic primary and secondary amines completely solubilize crosslinked silicone resins and rubber compositions at room temperature. The solubilization is attributed to nucleophilic cleavage of SiO bonds by amines, which apparently occurs selectively at crosslinking sites. The selectivity may reflect the presence of three oxygen atoms at such sites, which are expected to enhance the electrophilicity of silicon. On evaporation of amine, crosslinks are apparently regenerated as evidenced by solubility characteristics as well as film properties of the reclaimed silicones. In addition to their theoretical interest, these results are potentially important from the standpoint of commercial applications as well, including the possible reclaiming of silicone‐constituted furniture molds and the coating of heat‐sensitive mate
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