CH32SiHCl

CH32SiHCl, commonly written (CH3)2SiHCl, is an organosilicon compound in the family of chlorosilanes. Structurally, silicon carries two methyl substituents, one hydride, and one chloride. Its formula is C2H7SiCl and its molecular weight is about 94.6 g/mol. The compound is a colorless, volatile liquid at room temperature and is moisture sensitive, reacting with water and oxygen.

Synthesis and applications: CH32SiHCl is typically produced by chlorination of dimethylsilane or via other chlorinating routes applicable to organosilicon hydrides. It serves as a reactive intermediate in organic and silicon chemistry. As a silylating agent, it introduces the dimethylsilyl group into alcohols and other nucleophiles, forming dimethylsilyl ethers. The Si–Cl and Si–H bonds permit further chemical modification, enabling preparation of a variety of organosilicon intermediates and polymers. In broader silicone chemistry, chlorosilanes are common building blocks that are hydrolyzed and condensed to form siloxane linkages.

Reactivity and handling: It hydrolyzes readily in the presence of moisture to give the corresponding silanol and hydrogen chloride: (CH3)2SiHCl + H2O → (CH3)2Si(OH)2 + HCl, with subsequent condensation to siloxanes. It reacts with alcohols and phenols to form silyl ethers and can behave as a Lewis acid under certain conditions. Safety considerations include its corrosivity and irritant properties; contacts may irritate skin, eyes, and the respiratory tract. It should be handled under dry, inert conditions, with appropriate ventilation and protective equipment, and stored in moisture-free containers away from reactive materials.