Tetramesityldisilene, a Stable Compound Containing a Silicon-Silicon Double Bond

Irradiation of 2,2-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)hexamethyltrisilane in hydrocarbon solution produces tetramesityldisilene, which can be isolated as a yellow-orange solid stable to room temperature and above in the absence of air. Like the olefins of carbon chemistry, tetramesityldisilene undergoes addition reactions across the silicon-silicon double bond.