Phenylsilane, Purity by GC ≥ 99%

Product Introduction

Phenylsilane (CAS No. 694-53-1) is a reactive hydrosilane reagent widely used in organic synthesis, reduction chemistry, hydrosilylation, and organosilicon chemistry.

The molecule contains three reactive Si–H bonds, allowing Phenylsilane to participate in hydrogen-transfer and hydrosilylation reactions. Its combination of a phenyl substituent and reactive Si–H functionality makes it a useful building block and reducing reagent for synthetic chemistry.

Phenylsilane is commercially available as a clear, colorless liquid. TCI lists the material at >96.0% GC purity, while Thermo Fisher offers a 97+% grade.

Mechanism / Principle

Hydrosilane Reactivity

The primary reactive feature of Phenylsilane is its Si–H bond.

Under suitable reaction conditions, the Si–H bonds can participate in hydrogen-transfer reactions or add across unsaturated bonds.

A simplified hydrosilylation process can be represented as:

R–CH=CH₂ + PhSiH₃ → R–CH₂–CH₂–SiH₂Ph

The actual product distribution depends on the substrate, catalyst, solvent, and reaction conditions.

Reduction Chemistry

Phenylsilane can function as a hydrogen donor or reducing reagent in selected organic transformations.

Its Si–H bonds can provide hydrogen equivalents to reactive intermediates, enabling reductive conversion of suitable functional groups.

Key Research Applications

1. Organic Reduction

Phenylsilane is used as a reducing reagent in selected organic transformations.

Applications include:

• Reduction of functional groups
• Reductive transformations
• Deoxygenation
• Reduction of reactive intermediates
• Synthetic methodology development

2. Hydrosilylation

Phenylsilane is an important reagent for hydrosilylation reactions involving unsaturated substrates.

Applications include:

• Alkene hydrosilylation
• Alkyne hydrosilylation
• Carbonyl hydrosilylation
• Organosilicon synthesis
• Catalytic reaction development

3. Organosilicon Synthesis

The reactive Si–H functionality makes Phenylsilane useful for preparing more complex silicon-containing molecules.

Applications include:

• Functional organosilane synthesis
• Silicon-containing intermediates
• Silane functionalization
• Materials chemistry
• Organosilicon methodology

4. Catalytic Reduction

Phenylsilane can serve as a hydride source in catalytic reduction systems.

Applications include:

• Transition-metal-catalyzed reductions
• Lewis acid-catalyzed reductions
• Catalytic hydrosilylation
• Selective reduction
• Synthetic chemistry

5. Polymer and Materials Chemistry

Phenylsilane can participate in silicon-containing polymer and materials chemistry.

Applications include:

• Functional silicone materials
• Silicon-containing polymers
• Surface modification research
• Materials synthesis
• Organosilicon materials

6. Synthetic Building Block

Phenylsilane can be used as a reactive starting material for preparing functionalized silanes and other silicon-containing compounds.

Applications include:

• Building-block synthesis
• Reagent development
• Organosilicon chemistry
• Pharmaceutical synthesis
• Specialty chemical research

Advantages

• Contains three reactive Si–H bonds
• Useful hydrosilane reagent
• Suitable for reduction chemistry
• Applicable to hydrosilylation
• Useful for organosilicon synthesis
• Can serve as a hydrogen donor in catalytic transformations
• Suitable for synthetic methodology development
• Applicable to materials and polymer chemistry
• Available in high-purity research grades

Storage & Handling

• Store in a tightly closed container.
• Protect from moisture and water.
• Store under an inert atmosphere when specified.
• Keep in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area.
• Minimize exposure to air and humidity.
• Handle in a suitable fume hood.
• Avoid contact with skin and eyes.
• Avoid inhalation of vapors.
• Keep away from heat, sparks, and open flames.
• Use appropriate gloves, protective clothing, and eye protection.
• Follow the product-specific SDS for storage, transportation, and disposal.

Phenylsilane is air- and moisture-sensitive. Current supplier information classifies it as a flammable liquid and notes hazards associated with contact with water/moisture.

Sigma-Aldrich safety documentation also recommends keeping the container tightly closed and storing the material in a well-ventilated, cool location.

Research Areas

Researchers working in the following fields may use Phenylsilane (CAS No. 694-53-1):

• Organic chemistry
• Synthetic chemistry
• Organosilicon chemistry
• Reduction chemistry
• Hydrosilylation
• Catalysis
• Materials chemistry
• Polymer chemistry
• Pharmaceutical chemistry
• Medicinal chemistry
• Specialty chemical synthesis

Q1: What is Phenylsilane?

A: Phenylsilane is an organosilicon hydride with CAS No. 694-53-1, molecular formula C₆H₈Si, and molecular weight 108.21 g/mol.

Q2: What is Phenylsilane used for?

A: Phenylsilane is mainly used as a hydrosilane reducing reagent, hydrosilylation reagent, and building block for organosilicon synthesis.

Q3: What is the molecular formula of Phenylsilane?

A: The molecular formula is C₆H₈Si.

Q4: What is the molecular weight of Phenylsilane?

A: The molecular weight is 108.21 g/mol. NIST reports 108.2132 g/mol.

Q5: How many Si–H bonds does Phenylsilane have?

A: Phenylsilane has the structure C₆H₅SiH₃, meaning that the silicon atom is bonded to a phenyl group and three hydrogen atoms.

Q6: Is Phenylsilane a reducing reagent?

A: Yes. Phenylsilane can function as a hydride/hydrogen donor and reducing reagent in suitable organic transformations.

Q7: Can Phenylsilane be used for hydrosilylation?

A: Yes. Its multiple Si–H bonds make it a useful reagent for hydrosilylation of suitable unsaturated substrates.

Q8: Is Phenylsilane moisture sensitive?

A: Yes. Phenylsilane should be protected from moisture and handled under appropriate dry conditions. Supplier information identifies it as air- and moisture-sensitive.

Q9: Is Phenylsilane the same as Trimethylchlorosilane?

A: No. They are different organosilicon compounds. Phenylsilane is CAS 694-53-1, whereas Trimethylchlorosilane is CAS 75-77-4.