New Derivatives of the Silyl Radical

Abstract

THE compound monochlorosilane, SiH₃Cl, prepared in 1919 by Stock, was shown by him to yield volatile monomeric derivatives in its reactions with water and ammonia. With water it forms the compound (SiH₃)₂O, which is a gas, b.p.—15.2° ; and with ammonia the product is an amine-like body of the formula N(SiH₃)₃, b.p. + 52°. This field appeared to us to be one which was capable of great extension, and we have already made a number of interesting observations. Thus we find that monochlorosilane reacts spontaneously and quantitatively with methyl-amine according to the equation: The product, methyldisilylamine, is a liquid, b.p. + 32.3°, which is stable in air, but is quantitatively hydrolysed by alkali: its formula has been established by analysis and by vapour density determinations. It differs from aliphatic amines in being quantitatively decomposed by hydrogen chloride: Ethyldisilylamine, prepared by identical methods, is a liquid of very similar properties, boiling at + 65.9°.