Trilanes

Trilanes are a class of organosilicon compounds characterized by three silicon atoms connected by silicon–silicon bonds, forming a linear Si–Si–Si backbone. The simplest member is trisilane, H3Si–Si–SiH3, and many derivatives replace terminal hydrogens with alkyl or aryl groups to give dialkyltrisilane, diaryltrisilane, and related compounds. As a subset of polysilanes, trilanes illustrate the growth of silicon chains beyond disilanes and longer silicon oligomers.

Structure and properties

Trilanes typically feature a flexible Si–Si chain with various terminal substituents. The Si–Si bonds are generally reactive toward moisture and oxygen, making many trilanes air- and moisture-sensitive. They can display interesting reactivity under photochemical or radical conditions and can participate in transformations that extend the silicon chain to longer polysilanes or convert the Si–Si backbone into siloxane-containing motifs upon oxidation.

Preparation

Synthetic routes to trilanes include reduction or redistribution of higher oligomeric silanes, coupling of silane fragments, and hydrosilylation-type approaches that assemble the Si–Si backbone from smaller silane units. Reactions are often performed under inert atmospheres to prevent decomposition.

Reactions and applications

Trilanes serve as building blocks for longer polysilanes and as precursors in materials science research. They are studied for their electronic and optoelectronic properties, potential use in silicon-based polymers, and transformation into higher oligosilanes or siloxanes. Their chemistry helps illuminate Si–Si bond behavior and the broader chemistry of silicon-based materials.

Safety and handling

Due to air and moisture sensitivity, trilanes are typically handled under inert conditions. Appropriate precautions are required to prevent degradation and exposure.