ABSTRACT:The initial molecular steps of the acid-catalyzed silica sol-gel process departing from tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) were investigated by in situ 29 Si NMR and UV-Raman spectroscopy. The use of a substoichiometric H 2 O:TEOS molar ratio (rvalue 0.2-1.2) slowed the silicate oligomerization reaction and allowed unraveling the initial steps of silica condensation. Molecular modeling confirmed Raman signal and 29 Si NMR shift assignment. A comprehensive listing of all Raman and 29 Si NMR assignments is provided, including unique Raman assignments of cyclosilicates and the linear tetramer. The combination of experiment and modeling allowed an analysis of the reaction kinetics. The derived kinetic model and the experimental observation both revealed that the H 2 O: TEOS molar ratio had a strong influence on the reaction kinetics but not on the reaction pathways. The multianalytical approach led to development of an oligomerization scheme. As dominant oligomerizations, chain growth, cyclodimerization, and branching were identified. Under the investigated conditions, chains did not grow longer than pentamer, and ring sizes were limited to 6-rings. Chains of 4 Si atoms and 4-rings were abundant species. Branched rings and chains were formed by attachment of dimers and trimers. Gelation proceeded from branched 4-rings and branched chains with limited hydroxyl functionalities.