Flash Communication: Synthesis of a Lithium Disilenide and Its CO Coupling Reaction

The synthesis of a lithium disilenide and its reaction with CO are described. Reaction of NHB-substituted dilithiodisilene NHB(Li)Si═Si(Li)NHB ( 1, NHB = diazaborolyl) with Me 3 SiCl resulted in the formation of the lithium disilenide NHB(Me 3 Si)Si═Si(Li)NHB ( 2 ). Disilenide 2 reacts with 1 atm. of CO, leading to the C–C coupling of two molecules of CO with the formation of a disilacyclobutenone dimer bridged by two lithium ions, which are coordinated to the three exocyclic oxygen atoms.