New electron-diffraction study of the molecular dimensions and planarity of trisilylamine

Abstract

A careful re-determination of the molecular structure of trisilylamine in the gas phase has been carried out by electron diffraction. The main molecular parameters obtained are : Si—N = 1.734±0.002 Å, ∠SiNSi = 119.7±0.1°. The apparent slight deviation from planarity is associated with a shrinkage effect. The results are compared with those for related molecules possessing Si—N bonds.