Dichlorosilylene insertion reactions

Since data for the mechanistic details, such as the spin states and initial attacking site of the insertion of dichlorosilylene is lacking, inferences about the nature of the insertion reactions are at best a straightforward assumption based on the molecular structure of the final products. However, the insertion reactions of SiCl2 into C—X bonds, which proceed through elimination-recombination steps, do resemble the chemistry of singlet carbenes (59). It seems reasonably safe... 

Some Insertion Reactions of Dichlorosilylene into C—X Bonds Reactant Product... 

As in the case of SiH2 chemistry, dichlorosilylene has been found to undergo mainly two types of reactions, namely, insertions and additions according to the types of reaction products formed. 

The gas-phase reaction of dichlorosilylene with cyclopentadiene yielded silacyclohexadienes as the major products, one of which underwent further SiCl2 insertion to form a bicyclic product 31). 

Dichlorosilylene may be prepared by pyrolysis of perchloropolysilanes and again nndergoes both insertion and addition reactions. The insertion into a wide variety of bonds, including C-H bonds, has been studied (Scheme 7). At the elevated temperatures used in these reactions, elimination of H2 and cyclization may also occur and, if the ring formed is strained, a further Cl2Si insertion may occur. 

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