Diphenylsilane

Diphenylsilane, also called Ph2SiH2, is an organosilicon compound with the molecular formula C12H12Si. The molecule consists of a silicon atom bonded to two phenyl groups and two hydrogen atoms, giving a roughly tetrahedral silicon center.

Physically, diphenylsilane is a colorless liquid at room temperature. It is typically handled under inert atmosphere because it is reactive toward air and moisture. It has limited solubility in water and dissolves in many organic solvents.

Synthesis: Diphenylsilane is commonly prepared by the reduction of chlorodiphenylsilane (Ph2SiHCl) or related chlorosilanes with a hydride donor such as lithium aluminum hydride. Other routes involve multi-step sequences from diaryl silicon precursors.

Applications: In organic synthesis, diphenylsilane serves as a hydride donor in catalytic hydrosilylation, transferring H-SiPh2 groups across unsaturated substrates under transition-metal catalysis. It also serves as a precursor to other diaryl silanes used in materials chemistry.

Characterization and safety: The compound features an Si–H stretching vibration in IR spectroscopy. In NMR, the two Si–H protons are equivalent. Diphenylsilane should be handled with care: it is flammable and may ignite in air or on contact with water or moisture; store under inert atmosphere and use proper protective equipment.