Tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)silane is the

organosilicon compound Organosilicon compounds are organometallic compounds containing carbon–silicon chemical bond, bonds. Organosilicon chemistry is the corresponding science of their preparation and properties. Most organosilicon compounds are similar to the ordin ...

with the formula (Me₃Si)₄Si (where Me = CH₃). It is a colorless sublimable solid with a high melting point. The molecule has tetrahedral symmetry. The compound is notable as having silicon bonded to four other silicon atoms, like in elemental silicon.

Preparation and reactions

The compound is prepared by the reaction of

trimethylsilyl chloride Trimethylsilyl chloride, also known as chlorotrimethylsilane is an organosilicon compound ( silyl halide), with the formula (CH3)3SiCl, often abbreviated Me3SiCl or TMSCl. It is a colourless volatile liquid that is stable in the absence of water. ...

silicon tetrachloride Silicon tetrachloride or tetrachlorosilane is the inorganic compound with the formula SiCl4. It is a colourless volatile liquid that fumes in air. It is used to produce high purity silicon and silica for commercial applications. Preparation Silic ...

, and lithium: :4 Me₃SiCl + SiCl₄ + 8 Li → (Me₃Si)₄Si + 8 LiCl The compound is a precursor to tris(trimethylsilyl)silyl lithium by reaction with

methyl lithium Methyllithium is the simplest organolithium reagent with the empirical formula CH3Li. This s-block organometallic compound adopts an oligomeric structure both in solution and in the solid state. This highly reactive compound, invariably used in s ...

:{{cite journal, title=Tris(trimethylsilyl)silane, author=Joachim Dickhaut, Bernd Giese, journal=Org. Synth., year=1992, volume=70, page=164, doi=10.15227/orgsyn.070.0164 :(Me₃Si)₄Si + MeLi → (Me₃Si)₃SiLi + Me₄Si The organolithium compound (Me₃Si)₃SiLi is a versatile reagent, e.g. to tris(trimethylsilyl)silane ((Me₃Si)₃SiH).

References

Carbosilanes Trimethylsilyl compounds

Preparation and reactions

See also

References