Hexakis(trimethylsilyl)tetrahedranyltetrahedrane

Abstract

On the short side: Hexakis(trimethylsilyl)tetrahedranyltetrahedrane (see formula) was synthesized by the oxidative coupling of tris(trimethylsilyl)tetrahedranyllithium via a cuprate complex. The exocyclic CC bond between the two tetrahedrane units is the shortest known CC single bond (1.436(3) Å) owing to the increased s character of the bond orbitals.