Abstract: Silicon and aluminum complexes having the following formula: ##STR1## wherein x is 0 or 1, T is H or ##STR2## each R is independently selected from the group consisting of H, OH, C.sub.1-6 alkyl, C.sub.1-6 alkoxy, C.sub.2-6 alkene, C.sub.6-12 aryl, C.sub.1-6 hydroxyalkyl, C.sub.1-6 thioalkyl, C.sub.2-12 alkoxyalkyl, C.sub.3-20 heteroaromatic, and combinations thereof, wherein R may further contain one or more atoms of a non-carbon element such as Si, Ge, Sn, P, and the like; and Y is a cation, are prepared by reacting silica or alumina with a diol, in the presence of a base, while removing water formed during the reaction. Methods for producing such complexes starting with silica or alumina, and methods for converting such complexes into other silicon or aluminum-containing compounds, are disclosed.