Process for fixing inorganic species in an organic matrix

Claim 1

A process for fixing an inorganic species in an organic matrix, said process comprising: bringing at least one compound of the empirical formula (I) MRn (I) wherein M is selected from sub-group metals, lanthanides, actinides, Al, Sn, B and Si, at least some of the radicals R, which may be identical or different, can be replaced by a complexing agent, and n is the quotient of the valency of M and the mean valency of the radicals R, into contact with at least one organic compound A which contains at least one functional group X which is capable of complexing with M and is capable of replacing at least some of the radicals R, and, in addition, contains at least one functional group Y which is capable of participating in a polymerization or polycondensation reaction, in a molar ratio of the compounds of the formula (I) to the compounds A such that the number of radicals R which can be theoretically replaced is greater than the number of radicals which can theoretically be replaced by the groups X, at least some of the radicals R remaining on M when complexing is complete being radicals R* which can be replaced by OH radicals by reaction with water; when complexing is complete, adding water in amounts such that and under conditions such that at least some of the radicals R* are replaced primarily by OH groups; condensing said so-formed OH groups to form oxygen bridges linking atoms M; and subsequently, carrying out a polymerization or polycondensation in which the at least one functional group Y of compound A participates.