Soluble Three-Dimensional Polysilane with Organosilicon Nanocluster Structure

Three-dimensional polysilane with an organosilicon nanocluster structure is first synthesized by the reaction of tetrachlorosilane with magnesium metal and by capping the ends of the silicon nanocluster with tert-butyl group in solution. The organosilicon nanocluster is soluble to common organic solvents in spite of the three-dimensional Si skeleton which is demonstrated by CP/MAS 29Si NMR spectra. The optical properties and the structure of the organosilicon nanocluster are located between network polysilane (a quasi-two-dimensional silicon) and silicon nanocrystal.