Silicon(i) chemistry: the NHC-stabilised silicon(i) halides Si2X2(Idipp)2(X = Br, I) and the disilicon(i)-iodido cation [Si2(I)(Idipp)2]+

Abstract

An efficient method for the synthesis of the NHC-stabilised Si(i) halides Si₂X₂(Idipp)₂(2-X, X = Cl, Br, I) was developed, which involves the oxidation of Si₂(Idipp)₂(1) with 1,2-dihaloethanes. Iodide abstraction from2-Iafforded the unprecedented silicon(i) salt [Si₂(I)(Idipp)₂][B(C₆F₅)₄] (3).