10.01 - Low-Valent Silicon Compounds

The chemistry of low-valent silicon compounds such as silylenes (R2Si:) and disilenes (R2SiSiR2) has evolved significantly over the past four decades and had long focused on the synthesis and characterization of hitherto unknown compounds. For the last decade, the low-valent silicon chemistry has been brought back into the spotlight as such species have potential applications in small molecule activation and catalysis. These highly reactive silicon compounds may offer environmentally friendly and cost-effective alternative to the current transition-metal mediated reactions. This chapter highlights the recent developments in silylene and disilene chemistry, including their reactivity towards small molecules such as H2, NH3, CO, CO2, alkenes, alkynes, and P4.