| Summary: | This thesis describes the synthesis and isolation of a series of Group 14
elemental clusters bearing challenging and unique structural characteristics, all
stabilized by an amidinato silylene ligand system.
In Chapter 2, the synthesis of a remarkable heavier analogue of
spiro[3.3]hepta-1,2,5,6-tetraene 2.4 is described. Its unique structure bearing two
simultaneous strained cyclic allene moieties can also be described as simultaneous
silylones, monatomic silicon(0) species stabilised by a tetradentate silylene ligand. Its
reactivity to W(CO)5·THF results in the formation of an bis(pentacarbonyl tungsten)-
spiroheptasiladione adduct 2.8 demonstrating its Lewis Basicity. The structures of
other co-products, 2.6 and 2.7, from its synthesis shed light on its proposed synthetic
pathway.
In Chapter 3, the transfer of digermanium(0) to amidinato silylene to from a
digermadisilacyclobutadiene complex 3.2 is demonstrated. Stepwise growth of a
germanium cluster is also demonstrated resulting the synthesis and isolation of a
bis(trigermanium(0)) complex 3.3. Preliminary results demonstrating the release of
trigermanium (0) species towards the preparation of amorphous germanium
nanoparticles are also described
|
|---|