Mass spectra of some high molecular weight tetra(alkyl)silanes

The mass spectra of tetra(alkyl)silanes having one short and three long alkyl groups were recorded (C₂₀? C₃₂). These silanes did not give molecular ions, and the dominant course of fragmentation involved the loss of alkyl groups, followed by elimination of alkenes. The loss of alkyl groups, followed by elimination of alkenes. The loss of alkyl groups followed the sequence iso-Pr>Et, Pr,… C₁₄H₂₉» Me. With alkyl groups longer than hexyl, a rearrangement was observed in which n-alkanes were eliminated from the base ion. When the alkyl group was hexyl, the alkane eliminated was methane; when the alkyl group was heptyl, ethane was expelled; with octyl, it was propane; and with decyl, n-pentane was expelled. Deuterium labeling showed that at least two modes of rearrangement were occurring.