The acceptor properties of silicon(IV). ‘Class (b)’ or ‘soft acid’ behaviour by silicon tetrachloride and silicon tetrabromide

Abstract

The reactions of SiX₄(X = F, Br, Cl) with trimethylphosphine and of silicon tetrabromide with trimethylamine are examined and the approximate stability relationships found to be: SiF₄ SiCl₄, SiBr₄ towards trimethylphosphine SiF₄ > SiCl₄ > SiBr₄ towards trimethylamine, and Me₃P Me₃N towards silicon tetrachloride and silicon tetrabromide. The compounds SiCl₄,2Me₃P, SiBr₄,2Me₃P, SiF₄,Me₃P, SiF₄,2Me₃P, and SiClO₄,2Me₃P are characterised.