An unprecedented gas-phase condensation reaction mediated by a bissilylated chloronium ion intermediate

Abstract

Gas-phase Cl₂Si(OH)⁺ and Si₂OCl_4−n(OH)_n+1⁺ (n = 0–4) ions are shown to undergo a novel condensation reaction with SiCl₄ that provides a potentially useful pathway for a variety of networks containing the –(Si–O–Si)– backbone. Theoretical calculations reveal that these reactions proceed via a bissilylated chloronium ion intermediate.