Structure and reactivity of an isolable seven-membered-ring trans-alkene.

The isolation and characterization of a trans-oxasilacycloheptene is reported. Single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies indicate a high level of strain and deviation from ideal geometry. Reactions with several electrophiles demonstrated the nucleophilicity of the C=C double bond, affording oxasilacycloheptane and tetrahydrofuran products as single diastereomers.