A silane-containing diamine, bis(p-aminonphenoxy) diphenylsilane (BADPS), was prepared by the condensation of p-aminophenol with dichlorodiphenyl silane in the presence of triethylamine. Then, BADPS was condensed with 4,4-azobis(4-cyanopentanoyl chloride) to prepare macroazoinitiators containing silane units (Si-MAIs). A series of poly(methyl methacrylate) gels containing silane were derived by the solution free-radical crosslinking copolymerization of methyl methacrylate and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate monomers initiated by these macroazoinitiators at a total monomer concentration these macro, of 6 mol/l, and 80 degrees C. Si-MAIs were characterized with H-1-NMR and C-13-NMR spectroscopy, and the structural characteristics of the gels were also examined. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 116:382-393, 2010