Complex of silylene with nitrogen: a combined matrix-spectroscopic and density functional theory study.

The quest for a new and productive route to matrix-isolated silylene 1 has led to the observation that the presence of nitrogen is favorable, as under such conditions 1 is stabilized by formation of a donor-acceptor complex 1 x N2. Either matrix photolysis of diazidosilane or pulsed high-vacuum flash pyrolysis of 1,1,1-trimethyldisilane, followed by condensation of the products with nitrogen at 10 K, were applied as synthetic procedures. In a similar manner, complex 1 x CO can be generated. The results are supported by isotopic-labeling studies. The structural elucidation of the new species is based on the comparison of experimental IR and UV/Vis spectra with data from density functional theory calculations.