Chiral lactate-modified silica aerogels

Silica-based aerogels containing L-lactic moiety were synthesized by a cogelation procedure of tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) with lactate-modified aminopropyltrimethoxysilane L-CH3CH(OH)CO–NH–(CH2)3Si(OMe)3, followed by supercritical drying (SCD). Lactate-modified silica aerogels are semi-transparent yellowish monoliths possessing high specific surface area (up to 340 m2/g). L-lactate-containing lyogel and aerogel possess the optical activity inherent to L-lactic acid derivatives.