Preparation and Characterization of Tris(Trimethylsilyl)silyl Derivatives of Zinc, Cadmium, and Mercury. X-ray Crystal Structure of Zn(Si(SiMe3)3)2

摘要

Complexes containing bonds between silicon and a group 12 metal have been known for many years. Recently, the isolation of thermally unstable zinc and cadmium derivatives completed the family of binary silyls M(SiMe3)2(M = Zn, Cd, Hg). Apart from Hg(SiMe3)2, which has been shown to be a useful silylating reagent, the reactivity of zinc, cadmium, and mercury silyl derivatives has not been extensively investigated. Our studies of transition-metal-silicon chemistry have prompted us to search for new silylating agents. In particular, we have sought new methods for introducing the sterically hindered -Si(SiMe3)3 ligand into the coordination sphere of high-valent, coordinatively unsaturated metal complexes. The lithium silyl (THF)3LiSi(SiMe3)3 can be used to silylate some metal halides, but in many cases decomposition resulting from reduction of the metal center is observed.