Triethylsilane
Triethylsilane is an organosilicon compound with the molecular formula C₆H₁₆Si and the structural formula (CH₃CH₂)₃SiH, featuring a central silicon atom bonded to three ethyl groups and one hydrogen atom.[1] This colorless, volatile liquid has a boiling point of 107–108 °C, a melting point of -157 °C, and a density of 0.728 g/mL at 25 °C, making it highly flammable with a flash point of -3 °C.[2] It is commonly used as a mild reducing agent in organic synthesis due to its reactive Si–H bond, which facilitates hydrosilylation and transfer hydrogenation reactions.[3] Triethylsilane finds extensive application in the chemoselective reduction of functional groups such as carbonyls, imines, and sulfoxides, often in the presence of Lewis acids like BF₃·OEt₂ or transition metal catalysts.[3] For instance, it enables the conversion of aldehydes and ketones to silyl enol ethers or the deoxygenation of sulfoxides to sulfides under mild conditions.[4] Additionally, it serves as a silylating agent for protecting alcohols as triethylsilyl ethers, which are stable under basic conditions but removable under acidic ones, aiding in multi-step syntheses of pharmaceuticals and natural products.[3] Its role extends to radical-mediated reductions and deprotection strategies, highlighting its versatility in modern organic chemistry.[5] The compound is typically synthesized by the reduction of chlorotriethylsilane ((CH₃CH₂)₃SiCl) with lithium aluminum hydride (LiAlH₄) in ether solvents, replacing the chlorine with hydrogen to yield the hydrosilane.[6] Industrially, it is produced on a large scale for use in silicone polymer precursors and as an intermediate in silane chemistry, though it requires careful handling due to its flammability and potential to form explosive mixtures with air.[7] Safety precautions include storage under inert atmospheres and avoidance of ignition sources.[8]Structure and Properties
Molecular Structure
Triethylsilane has the chemical formula (C₂H₅)₃SiH, equivalently expressed as C₆H₁₆Si, and a molecular weight of 116.28 g/mol. The molecule consists of a central silicon atom covalently bonded to three ethyl (–CH₂CH₃) groups and one terminal hydrogen atom, forming a trialkylsilane structure. The Si–C bond lengths are approximately 1.88 Å, while the Si–H bond length measures about 1.48 Å.[9] The arrangement around the silicon center adopts a tetrahedral geometry, with bond angles approaching the ideal value of 109.5° for sp³ hybridization.[9] The Si–H bond is polar, with partial positive charge on silicon (Siδ+) and partial negative charge on hydrogen (Hδ–), arising from silicon's lower electronegativity (1.90) relative to hydrogen (2.20). This reversed polarity compared to C–H bonds (where carbon is δ–) facilitates the molecule's role in reactions involving hydride donation. The overall molecular dipole moment is 0.50 D, reflecting the asymmetric distribution of electron density due to the single Si–H bond amid the nonpolar ethyl substituents.[9] Triethylsilane exists as a monomeric species in the gas phase, consistent with the behavior of simple organosilanes lacking intermolecular association. No X-ray crystal structure data for the neutral molecule is reported, as it is a low-melting liquid (-157 °C).[9]Physical Properties
Triethylsilane appears as a colorless liquid with low viscosity at room temperature.[10] Its melting point is -157 °C, indicating it remains liquid under typical laboratory conditions.[11] The compound has a boiling point of 107–108 °C at 760 mmHg and a density of 0.728 g/mL at 25 °C.[2] Its vapor pressure exceeds 1 hPa at 20 °C, contributing to its volatility.[11] The refractive index is 1.412 (n_D^{20}).[2] Triethylsilane is insoluble in water but miscible with organic solvents such as ethanol, ether, and acetone.[12] The flash point is approximately -3 °C (closed cup), reflecting its high flammability, which is further detailed in safety considerations.[11]| Property | Value | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Colorless, low-viscosity liquid | Room temperature |
| Boiling point | 107–108 °C | 760 mmHg |
| Melting point | -157 °C | - |
| Density | 0.728 g/mL | 25 °C |
| Vapor pressure | >1 hPa | 20 °C |
| Refractive index | 1.412 | 20 °C (n_D) |
| Flash point | -3 °C | Closed cup |
| Solubility in water | Insoluble | - |