Laser-powered homogeneous pyrolysis of 4-silaspiro[3,3]heptane. A source for 2-silaallene and its polymer

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(95)05797-S

Continuous-wave CO₂ laser-photosensitized (SF₆) decomposition of 4-silaspiro[3.3]heptane is dominated by the transient formation and polymerization of 2-silaallene. The first experimental evidence for 2-sihiallene has been achieved via scavenging with alcohols ROH (R = CH₃. CF₃CH₂) to afford dialkoxy(dimethyl)silanes. (RO)₂Si(CH₃)₂. ESCA analysis of the polymer demonstrates SiC₂ stoichiometry and indicates the incorporation of oxygen, which may be explained by reaction of the residual Si=C bonds with air.