Disilyne with a silicon-silicon triple bond: A new entry to multiple bond chemistry

The synthesis, crystal structure, and characterization of a silicon-silicon triply bonded species, disilyne with two bis[bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl]isopropylsilyl substituents, are described. The nature of the sp-hybridized silicon atoms is discussed from the viewpoint of spectroscopic results and theoretical calculations. The reactivity of the disilyne with alkali metals, (BuLi)-Bu-t, and pi-bonded compounds such as cis- and trans-2-butenes and phenyl-acetylene is also described.