In situ Crystallization of N(SiMe3)3 and As(SiMe3)3: Trigonal planar or pyramidal coordination of the central atoms?

Abstract

Abstract In situ crystallization technique at low temperature was used to obtain single crystals of the low melting compounds N(SiMe3)3 1 and As(SiMe3)3 3. N(SiMe3)3 has a waxy consistence at room temperature. The solid-state structure of both compounds has been determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. N(SiMe3)3 is distorted and shows nearly a trigonal planar coordination of the central nitrogen atom. In contrast, the heavier homologue As(SiMe3)3 shows a trigonal pyramidal coordination with Si-As-Si 103.4(6)°–104.9(6)°.