The molecular structure of 1-fluorosilatrane

Abstract

The crystal structure of 1-fluorosilatrane has been determined by X-ray diffraction. The N → Si dative bond length is 2.042(1) Å, somewhat longer than that in the 1-chloro derivative (2.023 Å). The carbon atoms linked to nitrogen are disordered. The atoms in the close-packed crystal structure are well fixed and have low thermal motion. Deformation electron density calculations show considerable density in the region between the silicon and nitrogen atoms. A mass spectrometric study indicates a strong SiF bond.