The molecular structure of p-bis(trimethylsilyl)-benzene from gas phase electron diffraction

Nearly regular tetrahedral silicon bond configuration and a considerably distorted ring characterize the p-bis(trimethylsilyl)benzene molecular geometry according to an electron diffraction study. The SiC_methyl bond is longer than the SiC_phenyl bond, in agreement with expectation but contrary to an X-ray diffraction determination. The extent of ring deformation is consistent with the electropositive character of the trimethylsilyl substituent and with the structural variations in other para-disubstituted benzene derivatives. The electron diffraction data are consistent with either free rotation around the SiC_phenyl bonds or with a rotamer deviating by about 15° from the eclipsed form. The following bond lengths (r_g, pm) and bond angles (°) have been determined with parenthesized estimated total errors: (CC)_mean 140.8(3), (C_ipso)(C_orthoC_meta) 1.6(7), (SiC)_mean 188.0(4), (SiC_methyl)(SiC_phenyl) 3.3(7), (CH)_methyl 111.3(3), CC_ipsoC 115.7(6), and C_phenylSiC_methyl 109.2(4).