Polysilyne Explained

In organosilicon chemistry, polysilynes are chemical compounds with the formula, where R can be hydrogen (e.g. in polysilyne), or organyl (e.g. in poly(methylsilyne)). Although their name suggests a relationship to alkynes, polysilynes are a class of silicon-based random network polymers primarily composed of tetrahedral silicon atoms, each connected to one hydrogen or carbon and three Si atoms. These compounds are prepared by Wurtz coupling of alkyltrichlorosilanes :

The methyl and hexyl derivatives have been described.[1] Poly(methylsilyne) (PMSy) is a dark yellow powder.[2] With some solvents (tetrahydrofuran, ether, toluene etc.) it forms a colloidal suspension that is clear and non-viscous, which may then be deposited as a film or coating on various substrates. Upon thermolysis, poly(methylsilyne) decomposes to silicon carbide. The optical properties of these materials has attracted attention.[3]

References

  1. Bianconi . Patricia A. . Weidman . Timothy W. . 1988 . Poly(n-hexylsilyne) synthesis and properties of the first alkyl silicon [RSi]n network polymer . J. Am. Chem. Soc. . 110 . 2342–2344 . 10.1021/ja00215a077 .
  2. "Methods of preparing polysilynes"
  3. Luminescence of Silicon Materials: Chains, Sheets, Nanocrystals, Nanowires, Microcrystals, and Porous Silicon. Brus, Louis. Journal of Physical Chemistry. 1994. 98. 3575–81. 10.1021/j100065a007.