A Stable Singlet Biradicaloid Siladicarbene: (L:)₂Si

Abstract

A trapped silicon atom: The compound (L:)2Si with low-valent silicon was synthesized from its dichloride biradical precursor (L:)2SiCl2 by reduction with KC8. Theoretical analysis suggest that there are two donor–acceptor σ bonds L:→Si←:L. There is one σ lone-pair orbital at Si and one π orbital which features significant π-back-donation L:←Si→:L giving short SiC bonds.