The Synthesis and Crystal Structures of RbC(SiMe3)3 and CsC(SiMe3)3·3.5 C6H6: A One‐dimensional Ionic Solid and an Ionic Solid with a Molecular Structure

The alkali metal compounds MR (R = C(SiMe3)3, M = Rb, Cs), which are extremely air- and moisture-sensitive, can be synthesized from RH and MMe. Crystals of RbR consist of linear chains of Rb+ ions and distorted planar R- ions, whereas those of CsR contain isolated ion pairs surrounded by lattice C6H6 solvent molecules (shown on the right).