Absolute rate constants for silylene reactions with hydrocarbons at 298 K

We report absolute removal rate constants for silylene by reaction with alkanes, olefins, 1,3-butadiene, and acetylene at ambient temperature and 5-Torr total pressure. Rate constants were determined by laser resonance absorption flash kinetic spectroscopy. The results show that silylene is unreactive with alkanes and reacts rapidly and unselectively with unsaturated hydrocarbons. © 1987 American Chemical Society.