tetrasilane

Tetrasilane is a chemical compound with the molecular formula Si4H10. It is a member of the silane family, which consists of silicon-hydrogen compounds. Tetrasilane is a colorless, flammable gas at room temperature and pressure. It is highly reactive and can polymerize readily, forming a variety of silicon-containing polymers. The compound is primarily of interest in the field of organosilicon chemistry, where it serves as a precursor for the synthesis of more complex silicon-containing compounds. Tetrasilane can be synthesized through the reduction of silicon tetrachloride with lithium aluminum hydride. Its structure consists of a linear chain of four silicon atoms, each bonded to two hydrogen atoms. The compound is relatively unstable and decomposes at elevated temperatures, releasing hydrogen gas and forming silicon-containing polymers. Tetrasilane's reactivity and potential for polymerization make it a valuable tool in the development of new materials and technologies.