1873-77-4

clear colorless to pale yellow liquid

Reducing and hydrosilyating agent.

Tris(trimethylsilyl)silane is used in hydrosilylations of carbonyls, radical reactions, reductions of acid chlorides, and carbon-halogen bonds. It acts a mediator of radical reactions and considered to be a nontoxic substitute for tri-n-butylstannane in radical reactions. It forms complexes with transition metals and main group elements. Further, it is utilized in carbon-carbon bond forming reactions.

Tris(trimethylsilyl)silane) is used in the synthesis of silated alkenes and alkynes. Also used in the preparation of fused quinolines.

Undergoes exothermic decomposition at >100 °C. Radical-based reducing agent for organic halides, selenides, xanthates and isocyanides and ketones in high yields. Can provide complementary stereoselectivity to tri-n-butyltin hydride in the reduction of gem dihalides. Mild reducing agent in nucleoside chemistry.

Purify it by fractional distillation and taking the middle cut. Store it under N2 or Ar as it is PYROPHORIC and is an IRRITANT. [Chatgilialoglu et al. J Org Chem 53 3641 1988, Balestri et al. J Org Chem 56 678 1991, Chatgilialoglu Acc Chem Res 25 188 1992, NMR: Gilman et al. J Organomet Chem 4 163 1965.]