Difference between revisions of "Silane" - New World Encyclopedia

From New World Encyclopedia
(added credit and category tags, deleted foreign language links)
(claim, fix, edits)
Line 1: Line 1:
 +
{{Claimed}}
 
{| class="toccolours" border="1" style="float: right; clear: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse;"
 
{| class="toccolours" border="1" style="float: right; clear: right; margin: 0 0 1em 1em; border-collapse: collapse;"
 
! {{chembox header}} | Silane
 
! {{chembox header}} | Silane
Line 10: Line 11:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Other names
 
| Other names
| Silicon tetrahydride<br>Silicon hydride<br>Monosilane<br>Silicane
+
| Silicon tetrahydride<br/>Silicon hydride<br/>Monosilane<br/>Silicane
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Chemical formula|Molecular formula]]
 
| [[Chemical formula|Molecular formula]]
Line 27: Line 28:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Density]] and [[Phase (matter)|phase]]
 
| [[Density]] and [[Phase (matter)|phase]]
| ? kg m<sup>−3</sup> (solid)<br>0.7 g/ml (liquid)<br> 1.342 g L<sup>−1</sup> (gas)
+
| ? kg m<sup>−3</sup> (solid)<br/>0.7 g/ml (liquid)<br/> 1.342 g L<sup>−1</sup> (gas)
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[Solubility]] in [[Water_(molecule)|water]]
 
| [[Solubility]] in [[Water_(molecule)|water]]
Line 61: Line 62:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Main [[Worker safety and health|hazard]]s
 
| Main [[Worker safety and health|hazard]]s
| low toxicity,<br>avoid exposure to skin,<br>irritant, may cause<br>redness and swelling
+
| low toxicity,<br/>avoid exposure to skin,<br/>irritant, may cause<br/>redness and swelling
 
|-
 
|-
 
| [[NFPA 704]]
 
| [[NFPA 704]]
Line 95: Line 96:
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Related silanes
 
| Related silanes
| [[disilane]]<br>[[trisilane]]<br>[[tetrasilane]]<br>[[cyclosilane]]
+
| [[disilane]]<br/>[[trisilane]]<br/>[[tetrasilane]]<br/>[[cyclosilane]]
 
|-
 
|-
 
| Related hydrides
 
| Related hydrides
Line 106: Line 107:
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
'''Silane''' is a [[chemical compound]] with [[chemical formula]] [[silicon|Si]][[hydrogen|H]]<sub>4</sub>.  It is the [[silicon]] analogue of [[methane]].  At [[room temperature]], silane is a gas, and is [[pyrophoric]] — it undergoes spontaneous [[combustion]] in [[air]], without the need for external ignition.  However, one school of thought holds that silane itself is stable and that the natural formation of larger silanes during production causes its pyrophoricity.  Above 420°C, silane decomposes into silicon and [[hydrogen]]; it can therefore be used in the [[chemical vapor deposition]] of silicon.
 
  
More generally, a silane is any silicon analogue of an [[alkane]] hydrocarbon.  Silanes consist of a chain of silicon atoms [[covalent bond|covalently bound]] to hydrogen atoms.  The general formula of a silane is Si<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub>. Silanes tend to be less stable than their carbon analogues because the Si-Si [[chemical bond|bond]] has a strength slightly lower than the C-C bond.  [[Oxygen]] decomposes silanes easily, because the silicon-oxygen bond is quite stable.
+
'''Silane''' is a [[chemical compound]] with [[chemical formula]] [[silicon|Si]][[hydrogen|H]]<sub>4</sub>. It is the silicon analog of [[methane]]. At [[room temperature]], silane is a gas, and is [[pyrophoric]]--that is, it undergoes spontaneous [[combustion]] in [[air]], without the need for external ignition. However, one school of thought holds that silane itself is stable and that the natural formation of larger silanes during production causes its pyrophoricity. Above 420°C, silane decomposes into silicon and hydrogen; it can therefore be used in the [[chemical vapor deposition]] of silicon.
  
There exists a regular nomenclature for silanes.  Each silane's name is the word silane preceded by a numerical prefix (di, tri, tetra, etc.) for the number of silicon atoms in the molecule.  Thus Si<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> is [[disilane]], Si<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub> is trisilane, and so forth. There is no need for a prefix for one; SiH<sub>4</sub> is simply silane.  Silanes can also be named like any other inorganic compound; in this naming system, silane is named silicon tetrahydride. However, with longer silanes, this becomes cumbersome.
+
In a more general definition, a silane is any silicon analog of an [[alkane]] hydrocarbon. Silanes consist of a chain of silicon atoms [[covalent bond|covalently bound]] to hydrogen atoms. The general formula of a silane is Si<sub>n</sub>H<sub>2n+2</sub>. Silanes tend to be less stable than their carbon analogs because the Si-Si [[chemical bond|bond]] has a strength slightly lower than the C-C bond. [[Oxygen]] decomposes silanes easily, because the silicon-oxygen bond is quite stable.
  
A [[cyclosilane]] is a silane in a ring, just as a [[cycloalkane]] is an alkane in a ring.
+
== Nomenclature of different structures ==
  
Branched silanes are possible. The [[radical (chemistry)|radical]] ·SiH<sub>3</sub> is termed silyl, ·Si<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub> is disilanyl, and so on.  Trisilane with a silyl group attached to the middle silicon is named silyltrisilane.  The nomenclature parallels that of [[alkyl]] radicals.
+
There are certain rules for naming silanes. For instance, depending on the number of silicon atoms in each molecule, the word silane is preceded by a numerical prefix, such as di, tri, tetra, and so forth. Thus, Si<sub>2</sub>H<sub>6</sub> is [[disilane]], and Si<sub>3</sub>H<sub>8</sub> is trisilane. SiH<sub>4</sub> is simply silane, without a prefix.
  
Silanes can also incorporate the same functional groups as alkanes, e.g. [[Hydroxyl#Hydroxyl group|-OH]] to make a [[silanol]]. There is (at least in principle) a silicon analogue for all carbon alkanes.
+
In an alternative system of nomenclature, silanes may be named in a manner similar to other inorganic compounds. For instance, silane is called silicon tetrahydride. However, with longer silanes, this system becomes cumbersome.
 +
 
 +
A [[cyclosilane]] is a silane with a ring structure, just as a [[cycloalkane]] is an alkane with a ring structure.
 +
 
 +
Some silanes have branched structures. The [[radical (chemistry)|radical]] ·SiH<sub>3</sub> is termed silyl, ·Si<sub>2</sub>H<sub>5</sub> is disilanyl, and so on. Trisilane with a silyl group attached to the middle silicon is named silyltrisilane. The nomenclature parallels that of [[alkyl]] radicals.
 +
 
 +
Silanes may also carry certain functional groups, just as alkanes do. For instance, if a [[hydroxyl group]] (OH) is attached to a silane, it is called a [[silanol]]. There is (at least in principle) a silicon analog for all carbon alkanes.
  
 
== Production ==
 
== Production ==
Line 133: Line 139:
 
Several industrial and medical applications exist for silanes. For instance, silanes are used as coupling agents to adhere [[fiberglass|glass fiber]]s to a [[polymer]] matrix, stabilizing the [[composite material]]. They can also be used to couple a bio-inert layer on a [[titanium]] [[prosthesis|implant]]. Other applications include water repellents, [[masonry]] protection, control of [[graffiti]],<ref>[http://www.protectosil.com/protectosil/en/otherregions/graffiticontrol/default Graffiti protection systems]</ref> applying [[polycrystalline silicon]] layers on silicon wafers when manufacturing semiconductors, and sealants.
 
Several industrial and medical applications exist for silanes. For instance, silanes are used as coupling agents to adhere [[fiberglass|glass fiber]]s to a [[polymer]] matrix, stabilizing the [[composite material]]. They can also be used to couple a bio-inert layer on a [[titanium]] [[prosthesis|implant]]. Other applications include water repellents, [[masonry]] protection, control of [[graffiti]],<ref>[http://www.protectosil.com/protectosil/en/otherregions/graffiticontrol/default Graffiti protection systems]</ref> applying [[polycrystalline silicon]] layers on silicon wafers when manufacturing semiconductors, and sealants.
  
Silane and similar compounds containing Si-H-bonds are used as reducing agents in organic and organometallic chemistry.<ref>[http://www.organic-chemistry.org/chemicals/reductions/silanes.shtm Reductions of organic compounds using silanes]</ref>
+
Silane and similar compounds containing Si-H bonds are used as reducing agents in organic and organometallic chemistry.<ref>[http://www.organic-chemistry.org/chemicals/reductions/silanes.shtm Reductions of organic compounds using silanes]</ref>
 +
 
 +
==See also==
 +
 
 +
* [[Alkane]]
 +
* [[Functional group]]
 +
* [[Methane]]
 +
* [[Silicon]]
  
==References==
+
== Notes ==
 
<references/>
 
<references/>
  
==See also==
+
==References==
*[[silanization]]
 
  
 
==External links==
 
==External links==
 
  
  

Revision as of 00:59, 23 August 2007

Silane
Silane Silane
General
Systematic name Silane
Other names Silicon tetrahydride
Silicon hydride
Monosilane
Silicane
Molecular formula SiH4
Molar mass 32.12 g mol−1
Appearance Colourless gas
CAS number [7803-62-5]
Properties
Density and phase ? kg m−3 (solid)
0.7 g/ml (liquid)
1.342 g L−1 (gas)
Solubility in water Insoluble
Melting point 88 K (−185°C)
Boiling point 161 K (−112°C)
ΔfH0solid -1615 kJ mol−1
S0solid 283 J mol−1 K−1
Structure
Molecular shape tetrahedral
Dipole moment 0 D
Hazards
MSDS External MSDS
Main hazards low toxicity,
avoid exposure to skin,
irritant, may cause
redness and swelling
NFPA 704

NFPA 704.svg

4
1
3
 
Flash point N/A
Autoignition temperature 294 K (21°C)
R/S statement R: ?
S: ?
UN number 2203
RTECS number VV1400000
Supplementary data page
Structure and
properties
n, εr, etc.
Thermodynamic
data
Phase behaviour
Solid, liquid, gas
Spectral data UV, IR, NMR, MS
Related compounds
Related silanes disilane
trisilane
tetrasilane
cyclosilane
Related hydrides methane
Related compounds disilene
Except where noted otherwise, data are given for
materials in their standard state (at 25°C, 100 kPa)
Infobox disclaimer and references

Silane is a chemical compound with chemical formula SiH4. It is the silicon analog of methane. At room temperature, silane is a gas, and is pyrophoric—that is, it undergoes spontaneous combustion in air, without the need for external ignition. However, one school of thought holds that silane itself is stable and that the natural formation of larger silanes during production causes its pyrophoricity. Above 420°C, silane decomposes into silicon and hydrogen; it can therefore be used in the chemical vapor deposition of silicon.

In a more general definition, a silane is any silicon analog of an alkane hydrocarbon. Silanes consist of a chain of silicon atoms covalently bound to hydrogen atoms. The general formula of a silane is SinH2n+2. Silanes tend to be less stable than their carbon analogs because the Si-Si bond has a strength slightly lower than the C-C bond. Oxygen decomposes silanes easily, because the silicon-oxygen bond is quite stable.

Nomenclature of different structures

There are certain rules for naming silanes. For instance, depending on the number of silicon atoms in each molecule, the word silane is preceded by a numerical prefix, such as di, tri, tetra, and so forth. Thus, Si2H6 is disilane, and Si3H8 is trisilane. SiH4 is simply silane, without a prefix.

In an alternative system of nomenclature, silanes may be named in a manner similar to other inorganic compounds. For instance, silane is called silicon tetrahydride. However, with longer silanes, this system becomes cumbersome.

A cyclosilane is a silane with a ring structure, just as a cycloalkane is an alkane with a ring structure.

Some silanes have branched structures. The radical ·SiH3 is termed silyl, ·Si2H5 is disilanyl, and so on. Trisilane with a silyl group attached to the middle silicon is named silyltrisilane. The nomenclature parallels that of alkyl radicals.

Silanes may also carry certain functional groups, just as alkanes do. For instance, if a hydroxyl group (OH) is attached to a silane, it is called a silanol. There is (at least in principle) a silicon analog for all carbon alkanes.

Production

Industrially, silane is produced from metallurgical grade silicon in a two-step process. In the first step, powdered silicon is reacted with hydrochloric acid at about 300 °C to produce trichlorosilane, HSiCl3, along with hydrogen gas, according to the chemical equation:

Si + 3HCl → HSiCl3 + H2

The trichlorosilane is then boiled on a resinous bed containing a catalyst which promotes its disproportionation to silane and silicon tetrachloride according to the chemical equation:

4HSiCl3 → SiH4 + 3SiCl4

The most commonly used catalysts for this process are metal halides, particularly aluminium chloride.

Applications

Several industrial and medical applications exist for silanes. For instance, silanes are used as coupling agents to adhere glass fibers to a polymer matrix, stabilizing the composite material. They can also be used to couple a bio-inert layer on a titanium implant. Other applications include water repellents, masonry protection, control of graffiti,[1] applying polycrystalline silicon layers on silicon wafers when manufacturing semiconductors, and sealants.

Silane and similar compounds containing Si-H bonds are used as reducing agents in organic and organometallic chemistry.[2]

See also

Notes

References
ISBN links support NWE through referral fees

External links

Credits

New World Encyclopedia writers and editors rewrote and completed the Wikipedia article in accordance with New World Encyclopedia standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit is due under the terms of this license that can reference both the New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list of acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions by wikipedians is accessible to researchers here:

The history of this article since it was imported to New World Encyclopedia:

Note: Some restrictions may apply to use of individual images which are separately licensed.