Formula: Si(CH3)4
Molecular Weight: 88.22
Boiling Point: 26.6-26.7°C
Flashpoint: 28°C
CAS #: 75-76-3
UN #: UN2749
An organo-silicon compound tetramethylsilane (TMS) is used as an internal standard for nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). It is chemically inert and has a boiling point of 26.6°C which is lower than acetone (53.6°C), and other highly volatile liquids, such as diethyl ether (34.5°C) and 1,2-epoxy propane (36.4°C). It is soluble in most organic solvents but insoluble in water. All of these properties make TMS an ideal solvent for tissue drying, which preserves excellent tissue surface details.
Dey, Sudip. Et al. (1989). A new rapid method of air-drying for scanning electron microscopy using tetramethylsilane. J. of Microscopy, Vol 156, pp. 259-261.