Abstract: The invention relates to aerogels containing functional residues of the formula (I)--Y--Z, wherein Y is a straight-chained or branched alkylene group with 1 to 22 carbon atoms; Z is halogen, pseudohalogen, SR.sup.1, PR.sup.2 R.sup.3, colorant residue or metal complex residue; R.sup.1 is H, a straight-chained or branched alkyl group with 1 to 22 carbon atoms or an aryl group with 4 to 10 carbon atoms; and R.sup.2 and R.sup.3 are identical or different, a straight-chained or branched alkyl group with 1 to 22 carbon atoms, or an aryl group with 4 to 10 carbon atoms. The aerogels are suitable, for example, as catalyst stayes and/or sensors. They can be obtained by metal alcoholates and metal alcoholates in which at least one alcoholate residue is replaced by the --Y--Z group being converted into a lyogel by hydrolysis and condensation, and subsequently being dried.