A heavy analogue of the smallest bridgehead alkene stabilized by a base

Nat Commun. 2014 Nov 4:5:5353. doi: 10.1038/ncomms6353.

Abstract

Bicyclo[1.1.0]but-1(2)-ene (BBE), one of the smallest bridgehead alkenes and C4H4 isomers, exists theoretically as a reactive intermediate, but has not been observed experimentally. Here we successfully synthesize the silicon analogue of BBE, tetrasilabicyclo[1.1.0]but-1(2)-ene (Si4BBE), in a base-stabilized form. The results of X-ray diffraction analysis and theoretical study indicate that Si4BBE predominantly exists as a zwitterionic structure involving a tetrasilahomocyclopropenylium cation and a silyl anion rather than a bicyclic structure with a localized highly strained double bond. The reaction of base-stabilized Si4BBE with triphenylborane affords the [2+2] cycloadduct of Si4BBE and the dimer of an isomer of Si4BBE, tetrasilabicyclo[1.1.0]butan-2-ylidene (Si4BBY). The facile isomerization between Si4BBE and Si4BBY is supported by theoretical calculations and trapping reactions. Structure and properties of a heavy analogue of the smallest bridgehead alkene are disclosed.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

Associated data

  • PubChem-Substance/211536341
  • PubChem-Substance/211536342
  • PubChem-Substance/211536343
  • PubChem-Substance/211536344
  • PubChem-Substance/211536345
  • PubChem-Substance/211536346
  • PubChem-Substance/211536347