Disilanes

Disilane is an inorganic compound with the chemical formula Si2H6. It is the simplest disilane, consisting of two silicon atoms bonded together, with each silicon atom also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Disilane is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. It is analogous to ethane (C2H6) in organic chemistry, where silicon replaces carbon.

The synthesis of disilane can be achieved through various methods. One common approach involves the reduction of silicon halides with alkali metals or metal hydrides. For example, reacting silicon tetrachloride (SiCl4) with lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH4) can produce disilane. Another method involves the silent electric discharge of monosilane (SiH4). Disilane is an intermediate in the production of polysilanes, which are silicon-based polymers.

Disilane is a highly reactive compound. It readily undergoes thermal decomposition at elevated temperatures to form monosilane and higher silanes. It can also react with oxygen, halogens, and other reagents. In the presence of catalysts, disilane can be used in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes to create silicon-containing thin films, which are important in the semiconductor industry for applications such as dielectric layers and passivation. Due to its reactivity and flammability, disilane is handled with care in laboratory and industrial settings. Its applications are primarily in specialized areas of materials science and chemical synthesis.