Investigation of Hg(SiMe3)2 and Me3Si radical by photoelectron spectroscopy and theoretical methods

He I photoelectron spectra of bis-(trimethylsilyl)-mercury and its gas phase thermolysis product, Me3Si radical, are reported. The first vertical ionization energies were determined to be 7.37 and 7.32 eV, respectively, and compared to calculated values as obtained at different levels of theory. The interpretation of spectra together with the nature of Si-Hg-Si bond is discussed.