Polysilynes are

organosilicon compound Organosilicon compounds are organometallic compounds containing carbon–silicon bonds. Organosilicon chemistry is the corresponding science of their preparation and properties. Most organosilicon compounds are similar to the ordinary organic co ...

s with the formula Sisub>n. Although their name suggests a relationship to alkynes, polysilynes are a class of silicon-based random network polymers primarily composed of tetrahedral silicon centers, each connected to one carbon and three Si centers. These compounds are prepared by

Wurtz coupling In organic chemistry, the Wurtz reaction, named after Charles Adolphe Wurtz, is a coupling reaction whereby two alkyl halides are treated with sodium metal to form a higher alkane. : 2 R−X + 2 Na → R−R + 2 NaX The reaction is of little v ...

of alkyltrichlorosilanes (RSiCl₃): :3 Na + RSiCl₃ → Sisub>n + 3 NaCl The methyl and hexyl derivatives have been described. Poly(methylsilyne) (PMSy) is a dark yellow powder. With some solvents (

tetrahydrofuran Tetrahydrofuran (THF), or oxolane, is an organic compound with the formula (CH2)4O. The compound is classified as heterocyclic compound, specifically a cyclic ether. It is a colorless, water- miscible organic liquid with low viscosity. It is ...

, ether,

toluene Toluene (), also known as toluol (), is a substituted aromatic hydrocarbon. It is a colorless, water-insoluble liquid with the smell associated with paint thinners. It is a mono-substituted benzene derivative, consisting of a methyl group (CH3) ...

etc.) it forms a colloidal suspension that is clear and non-viscous, which may then be deposited as a film or coating on various substrates. Upon

thermolysis Thermal decomposition, or thermolysis, is a chemical decomposition caused by heat. The decomposition temperature of a substance is the temperature at which the substance chemically decomposes. The reaction is usually endothermic as heat is re ...

, poly(methylsilyne) decomposes to

silicon carbide Silicon carbide (SiC), also known as carborundum (), is a hard chemical compound containing silicon and carbon. A semiconductor, it occurs in nature as the extremely rare mineral moissanite, but has been mass-produced as a powder and crystal ...

. The optical properties of these materials has attracted attention.{{cite journal, title=Luminescence of Silicon Materials: Chains, Sheets, Nanocrystals, Nanowires, Microcrystals, and Porous Silicon , author=Brus, Louis, journal=Journal of Physical Chemistry, year=1994, volume=98, pages=3575-81, doi=10.1021/j100065a007

References

Silanes Organosilicon polymers