Title: Disilane
CAS Registry Number: 1590-87-0
Synonyms: Disilicoethane; disilicon hexahydride; silicoethane; disilicane
Molecular Formula: H6Si2
Molecular Weight: 62.22
Percent Composition: H 9.72%, Si 90.28%
Line Formula: Si2H6
Literature References: Obtained by separation of mixed silanes prepd from magnesium silicide and hydrochloric acid: Moissan, Smiles,
Compt. Rend. 134, 569, 1549 (1902); Stock, Somiesky,
Ber. 49, 111 (1916);
54B, 524 (1921);
56B, 247 (1923); Culbertson,
US 2551571 (1951 to Union Carbide); prepd by conversion of silane to higher silanes in an ozonizer type electric discharge: Spanier, MacDiarmid,
Inorg. Chem. 1, 432 (1962).
Properties: Gas; repulsive odor. d4-25 0.686. mp -132.5°. bp -14.5°. Dec 300°. Ignites spontaneously in air. Slowly dec in water. Explodes on contact with sulfur hexafluoride; reacts vigorously with carbon tetrachloride and chloroform. Sol in carbon disulfide, ethyl alcohol, benzene, and ethyl silicate. Potassium hydroxide liberates hydrogen.
Melting point: mp -132.5°
Boiling point: bp -14.5°
Density: d4-25 0.686
CAUTION: A powerful irritant.