Photolysis of tris(trimethylsilyl)silane: trapping of sisyl radicals

The photolysis of tris(trimethylsilyl)silane (TTMSS) was studied in the absence and in the presence of added trapping agents such as alkenes and alcohols. It was found that, unlike the case with pyrolysis, silyl radicals rather than silylenes are produced. They may be efficiently trapped with alkenes, to give the hydrosilylation products, but not with alcohols. The major product from the photolysis of TTMSS in the absence of added trapping agent (or with alcohols as trapping agents) was tetrakis(trimethylsilyl)silane. Possible mechanisms to account for the photoproducts are presented.Key words: hydrosilane, photolysis, silylenes, silyl radical, sisyl hydride.