Improved syntheses of M2 (M=Si, Ge or Sn) and the X-ray crystal structure of Si2

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(88)80376-0

The reaction of MH4 (M=Si, Ge) with Fe2(CO)9 in hexane gives Si2 or Ge2 in 61 or 43 percent yield, respectively.A reproducible synthesis of Sn2 from ^2- and SnCl4 in thf is also described.The X-ray crystal structure of Si2 shows two mutually perpendicular SiF2 triangles linked at the common spiro-silicon atom, with each iron atom carrying four terminal CO ligands.Average bond length are: Fe-Si 2.345(4), Fe-Fe 2.795(3) Angstroem.