The Topochemical Reaction of CaSi2 to a Two-Dimensional Subsiliceous Acid Si6H3(OH)3 ( = Kautskys’ Siloxene)

Abstract

Abstract Kautsky’s siloxene was prepared in a topochemical reaction from large crystals of CaSi2. The structure model was revised. Siloxene is a subsiliceous acid [Si6]H3(OH)3 and consists of two-dimensional corrugated Si-layers with three Si-Si bonds per silicon and an OH-or H-ligand, respectively. Ordering of adjacent layers is turbostratic. The layer lattice is capable of forming intercalation complexes. On intercalation only the layer distance is changed. The alkoxylated derivatives Si6H3(OCH3)3n and Si6H3(OC2H5)3n are also able to intercalate polar molecules.