The present invention relates generally to a method of synthesising a metal alkoxide polymer involving the following general steps: 1. acidolysis; 2. condensation; and 3. subsequent processing. The acidolysis step is preferably performed without addition of water, in the presence of a mutual solvent. The acidolysis step involves acidolysis of a metal alkoxide compound with an acid to produce an intermediate acidolysed solution. The condensation step involves condensation of the intermediate solution in the presence of a metal alkoxide compound to produce the metal alkoxide polymer.