Unexpected reactions of dichloro(ethyl)silane with DMSO in organic solvents

Abstract

The effect of the solvent nature on the composition of the products formed upon the reaction between EtSi(H)Cl₂ and DMSO (molar ratio 1: 1, 0 °C) was revealed. This reaction in non-polar and low polar solvents (toluene, chloroform) gives oligoethyl(hydro)cyclo-siloxanes ((EtSi(H)O)_n, n = 3—8) as the major products in the yields up to 77%. In MeCN, oligoethyl(hydro)cyclosiloxanes are formed along with cyclic monochlorinated siloxanes ((EtSi(H)O)_n(EtSi(Cl)O), n = 2—7) in a ratio of ~7: 3 (68: 29 wt.%). In excess diethyl ether, the overall yield of oligoethyl(hydro)cyclosiloxanes does not exceed 25% and the major products are linear α,ω-diethoxyoligoethyl(hydro)siloxanes (EtO(EtSi(H)O)_nEt, n = 2—7) formed in 70—75% yields. A plausible reaction mechanism leading to the final products was suggested. Apparently, the reaction proceeds via ethyl(hydro)-and chloro(ethyl)silanones as intermediates.