Synthesis of oligosilyldi- and trianions

1,3- and 1,4-Bis[tris(trimethylsilyl)silylethynyl]benzenes as well as 1,3,5-tris[tris(trimethylsilyl)silylethynyl]benzene were synthesized employing Sonogashira cross-coupling conditions. All three molecules underwent facile di- or trimetalation with potassium tert-butoxide to afford the respective oligosilyldi- and trianions.