Strain-Modulated Reactivity: An Acidic Silane.

ABSTRACT: Compounds of main-group elements such as silicon are attractive candidates for green and inexpensive catalysts. For them to compete with state-of-the-art transition-metal complexes, new reactivity modes must be unlocked and controlled, which can be achieved through strain. Using a tris(2-skatyl)methylphosphonium ([TSMPH₃ ]⁺ ) scaffold, we prepared the strained cationic silane [TSMPSiH]⁺ . In stark contrast with the generally hydridic Si-H bond character, it is acidic with an experimental pK_a ^DMSO within 4.7-8.1, lower than in phenol, benzoic acid, and the few hydrosilanes with reported pK_a values. We show that ring strain significantly contributes to this unusual acidity along with inductive and electrostatic effects. The co

SUBMITTER: Tretiakov S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8252520 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature