In situ polymerization of titanium, silicon, zirconium, and aluminum-zirconium alkoxides was accomplished via homogeneous generation of water. Tertiary alcohol dehydration, pinacol rearrangement, esterification, amide synthesis/decomposition, and Hoffman degradation (quaternary ammonium hydroxide base decomposition) were the potential water-generating methods examined. Using tertiary alcohol dehydration or esterification reactions, it was possible to synthesize gels and powders. Some physical and chemical characteristics of these materials are reported.