Synthesis and Characterization of a Six-Coordinate Silicon (IV) Complex with a Tripodal Phenalenyl-Based Hexadentate Ligand

We report the preparation and solid state characterization of a silicon (IV) salt based on a new redox active tripodal hexadentate ligand [H3L = l,l,l-Tris(l′-oxophenalenyl-9′-N-methyl) ethane]. X-ray analysis of the complex reveals a short Si-N bond distance (av 1.878(16)). The compound is shown to undergo three reversible one-electron reduction steps (without decomposition) due to the formation of radical, anion and dianion of the phenalenyl moiety.