Electrochemical Synthesis of Poly (cyclotetramethylenesilylene)

Abstract

Electrochemical synthesis of poly (cyclotetramethylenesilylene) was successfully carried out for the first time by reducing 1,1-dichlorosilacyclopentane in 1,2-dimethoxyethane using a platinum cathode and a silver anode. The resulting polymer had Mw=5–8×10³ and a relatively broad absorption with its λmax at ca. 275 nm. The polymer was relatively stable to UV irradiation compared to a typical polysilane, poly (dibutylsilane). Copolymerization of 1,1-dichlorosilacyclopentane and dibutyldichlorosilane were also successful.