Homocatenation of metal and metalloid main group elements

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Abstract

Interest in poly(diorgano)silanes, catenated silicon compounds and heavier element analogues of alkanes has derived largely from their 1-dimensional delocalisation across the Si-Si sigma framework, which affords similar properties observed for polyene and unsaturated "all organic" polymers. Although not so widely recognised or studied, similar "sigma-delocalised" activity may also be observed for homocatenated species of other p-block elements. In this study, a foundation for an understanding of the phenomenon of sigma-delocalisation is provided through consideration of the structures, methods of synthesis and electronic behaviour of the well-established poly(diorgano)silanes. Synthetic and theoretical developments relating to analogous derivatives based upon silicon's heavier group 14 congeners are then reviewed along with the more limited examples of catenated compounds among the heavier elements of groups 15 and 13. This coverage does not dwell upon detailed aspects of structure or electronic behaviour for the individual compounds and classes of compound included. Rather, the intention is to promote something of a phenomenological awareness of a series of superficially disparate chemical systems and to encourage a more widespread appreciation of the implication that, in not displaying sigma-delocalisation, it is the elements of the first full period that display the more unusual or anomalous behaviour.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationMetal-Metal Bonding
PublisherSpringer
Pages189-216
Number of pages28
Volume136
ISBN (Print)9783642052422
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Mar 2010

Publication series

NameStructure and Bonding
PublisherSpringer

Keywords

  • molecular structure
  • electronic structure
  • catenation
  • P-block
  • synthesis

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