Silylsilane, a chemical compound commonly used in various industrial applications, holds significant relevance in everyday life despite being unfamiliar to the general public. Its versatility and unique properties make it an essential component in the production of materials such as adhesives, sealants, and coatings. These materials are widely used in construction, automotive, electronics, and pharmaceutical industries, contributing to the development of numerous everyday products and technologies that enhance modern living. Additionally, silylsilane plays a crucial role in advanced research and development efforts, further underscoring its importance in driving innovation and societal progress.
Table of Contents:
- 💡 Commercial Applications
- ⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
- 🏭 Production & Procurement
- ⚠️ Safety Considerations
- 🔬 Potential Research Directions
- 🧪 Related Compounds
💡 Commercial Applications
Silylsilane, a compound containing silicon and hydrogen atoms, has various commercial and industrial applications. It is commonly used as a precursor in the production of silicon-based materials, such as silicones and silica nanoparticles. Silylsilane can also be used as a surface modifier to improve the adhesion properties of coatings and adhesives.
In the field of drug and medication applications, silylsilane has shown potential as a drug delivery agent. By functionalizing silylsilane with specific molecules, it can be used to encapsulate and deliver drugs to targeted sites in the body. This targeted drug delivery system can improve the efficacy and reduce side effects of certain medications.
Overall, silylsilane plays a crucial role in various commercial, industrial, and pharmaceutical applications. Its unique chemical properties make it a versatile compound for use in the production of materials, surface modification, and drug delivery systems. Continued research and development in this area may lead to further advancements in these applications.
⚗️ Chemical & Physical Properties
Silylsilane is a colorless, odorless gas with a molecular formula of Si2H6. It is typically found in a gaseous state at room temperature and pressure, and is highly reactive due to the presence of silicon-hydrogen bonds.
With a molar mass of approximately 62.21 g/mol and a density of 1.47 g/cm³, silylsilane is significantly lighter and less dense than common food items such as water (molar mass of 18.02 g/mol, density of 1 g/cm³) and sugar (molar mass of 342.30 g/mol, density of 1.59 g/cm³).
Silylsilane has a melting point of -120°C and a boiling point of -32°C. These values are much lower compared to common food items such as butter (melting point of 32-35°C, boiling point of 100°C) and salt (melting point of 801°C, boiling point of 1,465°C).
Silylsilane is insoluble in water and exhibits low viscosity. This contrasts with common food items such as salt and sugar, which are highly soluble in water, and honey and syrup, which have high viscosity.
🏭 Production & Procurement
Silylsilane is primarily produced through the hydrosilylation reaction, where a silicon-hydrogen bond is added across a double or triple bond. This reaction typically involves the use of transition metal catalysts such as platinum or rhodium. The resulting product is a mixture of various silylsilane compounds with differing substituents on the silicon atoms.
Silylsilane can be procured from specialty chemical suppliers that specialize in organosilicon compounds. These suppliers typically offer a range of purity levels to meet the specific needs of the end user. The compound is often transported in sealed containers under inert gas to prevent reactions with moisture or air. Care must be taken to store and handle silylsilane in a well-ventilated area due to its flammability and toxicity.
In addition to purchasing silylsilane from suppliers, it can also be synthesized in-house by skilled chemists with expertise in organosilicon chemistry. This allows for greater control over the purity and composition of the silylsilane product. However, the production of silylsilane in-house requires specialized equipment and safety precautions due to the reactive nature of the compound. Overall, whether procured from suppliers or synthesized in-house, silylsilane plays an important role in the synthesis of various silicon-containing compounds in the chemical industry.
⚠️ Safety Considerations
Safety considerations for Silylsilane should be taken seriously due to its highly flammable nature. It should be stored in a cool, well-ventilated area away from sources of ignition. Care should be taken to prevent contact with skin, eyes, and clothing to avoid irritation or burns. Handling should be done in a fume hood to minimize exposure to vapors and proper personal protective equipment such as gloves, goggles, and lab coat should be worn at all times.
Hazard statements for Silylsilane include “highly flammable liquid and vapor,” “causes severe skin burns and eye damage,” and “may cause respiratory irritation.” It is also harmful if swallowed and may cause organ damage with prolonged or repeated exposure. This compound should be kept away from heat, sparks, and open flames to prevent fire and explosion hazards, and spillages should be cleaned up immediately to avoid environmental contamination.
Precautionary statements for Silylsilane involve wearing protective gloves, eye protection, and face protection when handling to prevent skin and eye contact. In case of ingestion, do not induce vomiting and seek medical advice immediately. Avoid breathing in vapors and seek fresh air if exposed to high concentrations of the substance. Additionally, store in a tightly closed container in a well-ventilated area and keep away from incompatible materials to prevent reactions that could lead to hazardous situations.
🔬 Potential Research Directions
Silylsilane, a compound containing both silicon and hydrogen atoms, presents promising avenues for future research within the field of silicon chemistry. Some potential directions include investigating its reactivity and applications in organic transformations due to the unique properties imparted by the silicon-hydrogen bond. Additionally, exploring the synthesis of novel silylsilane derivatives and their potential in materials science and as reagents in organic synthesis could yield valuable insights.
Furthermore, the study of the stability and reactivity of silylsilanes under various conditions, such as in the presence of different catalysts or in different solvents, could provide valuable information for future applications. Understanding the mechanism of silylsilane reactions and their potential as hydrosilylation agents could lead to the development of more efficient and selective synthetic methodologies. Additionally, investigating the potential of silylsilanes in the field of silicon-based materials and their applications in optoelectronics or as building blocks in supramolecular chemistry represents another exciting research direction.
🧪 Related Compounds
One similar compound to Silylsilane based upon molecular structure is disilane. Disilane, with the chemical formula Si2H6, is a compound consisting of two silicon atoms bonded to each other through a single covalent bond, with each silicon atom also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Disilane is a colorless, flammable gas that is used in the semiconductor industry for producing silicon-containing thin films.
Another related compound is trisilane, which has the chemical formula Si3H8. Trisilane contains three silicon atoms bonded to each other through single covalent bonds, with each silicon atom also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Trisilane is a colorless, flammable gas that is used in the deposition of thin films in semiconductor manufacturing processes.
A further compound similar to Silylsilane is tetrasilane, characterized by the chemical formula Si4H10. Tetrasilane consists of four silicon atoms bonded to each other through single covalent bonds, with each silicon atom also bonded to three hydrogen atoms. Tetrasilane is a colorless, flammable gas that is used as a precursor in the chemical vapor deposition of silicon-containing films for various applications in the electronics industry.
