Me3SiH

Me3SiH, also called trimethylsilane, is an organosilicon hydride with the chemical formula (CH3)3SiH. It consists of a silicon atom bonded to three methyl groups and one hydrogen, giving a tetrahedral Si center. The Si–H bond is a source of hydride in various catalytic transformations, making Me3SiH a versatile reagent in organic synthesis.

Me3SiH is a volatile, colorless species that is typically handled under inert atmosphere. It is flammable and reacts with moisture and oxidizers. Upon hydrolysis, it can produce silanols and hydrogen, and silane-derived oligomers may form.

In terms of reactivity and applications, Me3SiH acts as a mild hydride donor in catalytic hydrosilylation and related reductions, adding hydride to carbon–carbon or carbonyl substrates and enabling formation of Si–C bonds or reduced products. It is used as a source of hydride in catalytic systems and as a precursor to other organosilicon reagents; it is sometimes employed in the generation of silyl-protecting groups in multistep synthesis or for post-functionalization of siloxane frameworks.

Me3SiH is produced industrially for use in organosilicon chemistry, typically by reduction or exchange routes from chlorosilanes or silane mixtures, and is sold as a reagent for research and manufacturing.

Safety: The compound is flammable and can form hydrogen gas upon hydrolysis; it should be handled with appropriate ventilation, away from oxidizers, and stored under inert conditions. See also related silane reagents such as Et3SiH and Me2SiHCl.