Ethyl silicate (TEOS)
- Ceramic (SiO₂)
- CAS 78-10-4
- IUPAC: Tetraethyl orthosilicate
No GHS classification as a mixture component at consumer-use concentrations (<5% in water-based formulas). At higher concentrations (pure or industrial-strength), it can cause skin and eye irritation; the hydrolysis product ethanol is also released. Used as the silica crosslinker in consumer ceramic coatings.
Tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS) is an alkoxysilane ester used as a silica-forming crosslinker in ceramic coatings, primers, and inorganic binders. In consumer ceramic spray coatings it is present at low concentrations (<5%) and serves as the reactive silica precursor.
**Chemistry:** TEOS reacts with water (from atmospheric humidity or the carrier) via hydrolysis: Si(OEt)₄ + 2H₂O → SiO₂ + 4EtOH. The resulting amorphous silica deposits on the paint surface, forming a hard, hydrophobic film. The co-product ethanol evaporates. This is the core chemistry behind the "glass-like" protective layer claimed in SiO2/TEOS ceramic coating marketing.
**Safety:** At consumer-product concentrations, TEOS does not carry classified GHS H-codes. Industrial-grade pure TEOS can irritate skin and eyes (H315/H319) and release flammable ethanol vapor; these hazards diminish significantly at the dilute concentrations present in consumer ceramic spray formulas.
Health & environment profile
- VOC
- yes
- Prop 65 listed
- no
- Asthmagen
- no
- EPA Safer Choice
- no
- Aquatic toxicity
- no
- Biodegradable
- yes
- Bioaccumulative
- no
- Persistent
- no
- Ozone depleting
- no
- Microplastic
- no
- PFAS
- no
- Env. score
- 4/5
1 product contain this
Mothers CMX Ceramic Spray CoatingProp 65ceramic-coating
Health summaries are editorial — we synthesize from SDSs, peer-reviewed sources, and regulatory listings. Not medical advice.