Novel hybrid organic-inorganic materials were prepared from 10-undecenoyl triglyceride and methyl 3,4,5-tris(10-undecenoyloxy)benzoate via hydrosilylation. 1,4-Bis(dimethylsilyl)benzene, tetrakis(dimethylsilyloxy)silane, and 2,4,6,8-tetramethyleyclotetrasiloxane were used as crosslinkers. The hydrosilylation reaction was catalyzed by Karstedt's catalyst [Pt(0)-divinyltetramethyldisiloxane complex]. The networks were structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, C-13 NMR, and Si-29 magic-angle-spinning NMR. The thermal properties of these hybrids were studied with differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and dynamic mechanical analysis. The obtained materials showed good transparency and promising properties for optical applications. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.