Synthesis of benzo[h]quinoline-based neutral pentacoordinate organosilicon complexes

Reactions of 10-benzo[h]quinolyllithium with a series of organosilanes led to the formation of neutral pentacoordinate complexes. The diethynyl-substituted complex was able to be converted to di(arylethynyl)-substituted ones by the Sonogashira-Hagihara coupling reaction. Electronegative substituents shortened N-Si distances and enhanced fluorescence intensity from the complexes.