Synthesis of Silylium and Germylium Ions by a Substituent Exchange Reaction

The reaction of diarylalkylsilanes and -germanes with trityl cation in the presence of a weakly coordinating anion to give the corresponding triarylsilylium or -germylium ions was investigated. This reaction provides a facile access to a larger range of these sterically highly hindered Lewis acids. The factors that promote the substituent exchange were studied, and significant effects of the substituent, of the solvent, and of the group 14 element were revealed. A combined solid-state XRD and NMR investigation of the tris­(pentamethylphenyl) silylium borate [(Me5C6)3Si]2[B12Cl12] disclosed the trigonal planar coordination environment of the silicon atom in this silylium ion. NMR investigations indicate for 2,4,6-triisopropylphenyl-substituted silylium and germylium ions the onset of C–H···E+ three-center interactions (E = Si, Ge) between the distant CH bond of the isopropyl group and the positively charged group 14 element atom.