Triethylsilane is a silane compound with a simple structure but a wide range of uses. Due to the highly active silicon-hydrogen bond (Si-H) in its molecule, it is widely used in organic synthesis, material science and industrial chemistry. This article will discuss in detail the main uses of triethylsilane in various fields and its importance.

Physical and chemical properties

Basic physical properties:

Product Name: Triethylsilane

CAS No.: 617-86-7

Chemical formula: C6H16Si

Molecular weight: 116.28 g/mol

Boiling point: 107–109°C

Density: about 0.75 g/mL (20°C)

Appearance: colorless transparent liquid

Chemical properties:

Triethylsilane has high thermal stability and is not easy to decompose.

It is relatively stable to air and moisture, but may react with strong oxidants under high temperature conditions.

The silicon-hydrogen bond (Si-H) in its molecular structure is highly active, making it an important reducing agent.

Main Application:

1. Reducing agent in organic synthesis

The most well-known use of triethylsilane is as an efficient reducing agent. Its reducing property comes from the silicon-hydrogen bond in the molecule, which can achieve specific reduction reactions under various reaction conditions:

Reduction of acyl compounds

Triethylsilane can reduce acyl compounds such as amides, esters or anhydrides to the corresponding hydrocarbon compounds. For example, it can reduce amides to amines or convert esters to alcohols under the catalysis of Lewis acids (such as aluminum chloride or boron trifluoride).

Free radical reduction reaction

In free radical reactions, triethylsilane participates in the reaction as a hydrogen donor. It is often used to stabilize reaction intermediates to produce more stable final products.

Functionalization of aromatic compounds

Triethylsilane can be used for the selective reduction or functionalization of aromatic compounds under the catalysis of certain transition metals.

2. Important reagents in catalyst-assisted reactions

Triethylsilane exhibits excellent chemical properties in catalytic systems, especially its synergistic effect with transition metal catalysts, which expands its application range:

Transition metal-catalyzed silylation reaction

With the help of metal catalysts such as palladium, platinum, and rhodium, triethylsilane can achieve the synthesis of organosilicon compounds. These silicon-based compounds play an important role in pharmaceutical chemistry and polymer materials.

Auxiliary reagents in hydrogenation reactions

Triethylsilane can replace traditional hydrogen as a hydrogen source for catalytic hydrogenation reactions. This method avoids the risk of using high-pressure hydrogen and improves the safety of operation.

3. Application in materials science

Due to the characteristics of silicon, triethylsilane is used as a precursor in the field of materials chemistry and participates in the preparation of high-performance materials and nanomaterials:

Synthesis of organosilicon polymers

As a silicon-based monomer, triethylsilane can be used to prepare silicone resins and silicone rubbers with special properties. These materials are widely used in electronics, aerospace, and construction.

Preparation of nanomaterials

When preparing nano silicon compounds, triethylsilane can be used as a reactant or surface treatment agent to regulate the size, morphology and surface properties of the material.

4. Surface modification and coating technology

Triethylsilane can be used to modify the surface of materials to improve their hydrophobicity, antioxidant properties or other functions:

Metal surface treatment

Coating a triethylsilane layer on the metal surface can enhance the material's anti-corrosion properties and provide a hydrophobic effect.

Surface modification of glass and ceramics

Through triethylsilane treatment, the glass and ceramic surfaces can achieve water and oil resistance and are used in the fields of construction and industrial cleaning.

5. Application of pharmaceutical chemistry and agricultural chemicals

Triethylsilane also has certain applications in the development of pharmaceuticals and agricultural chemicals:

Protection and reduction in drug synthesis

In complex organic synthesis, triethylsilane is often used to protect functional groups or selectively reduce specific compounds during the reduction process.

Modification of active molecules

The introduction of triethylsilane can improve the stability of the molecular structure and improve the efficacy of pesticides or drugs.

6. Future Development Direction

With the continuous progress of organosilicon chemistry, the application potential of triethylsilane is being further explored. For example, its application in green chemistry, such as solvent-free synthesis or the development of renewable catalytic systems, has important research significance. In addition, the application of functionalized molecules based on triethylsilane in new energy materials and biomedical materials is also worth looking forward to.

Daken Chemical is one of main manufacturer of Triethylsilane in China, if you have any interests in this product, please feel free to reach out to our sales representative Ms. Ellen Zhao, email: ellen.zhao@dakenchem.com