The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word SILOXANE
I've seen this crossword clue in Independent
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Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "one based on Si-O-Si" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case one based on si-o-si = siloxane.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does SILOXANE mean?
SILOXANE noun- Any of a class of compound having a short repeating unit of silicon and oxygen atoms (either in a chain or a ring), typically with organic side chains