Chemistry of base-stabilized group 14 element (I) dimers

Abstract

This thesis describes the reactivity studies of an amidinate-stabilized silicon(I) dimer [LSi:-Si:L] (L = PhC(NtBu)2). The synthesis, characterization and theoretical studies of the first examples of heavier group 14 cyclobutadiene analogues which comprise of heavier group 14 elements, silicon, germanium and tin, in the four-membered skeleton are also described. Additionally, the synthesis and reactivity of an amidinate-stabilized silyliumylidene cation [LSi(DMAP)]OTf is described. Lastly, the synthesis and characterization of a germanium(I) dimer and a germylidenide anion stabilized by the 2-imino-5,6-methylenedioxylphenyl ligand is described.