Structure of the organoscandium complex with two trimethylsilylmethyl ligands, (C5H5)Sc(CH2tms)2(thf) (tms = Si(CH3)3, thf = tetrahydrofuran).[8] Color scheme: O (red), Sc (blue), Si (orange).
Trimethylsilylmethyllithium is widely used in organotransition metal chemistry to affix trimethylsilylmethyl ligands. Such complexes are usually produced by salt metathesis involving metal chlorides. These compounds are often highly soluble in nonpolar organic solvents. These complexes enjoy stability because trimethylsilylmethyl ligands are bulky and they resist beta-hydride elimination. In these regards, trimethylsilylmethyl is akin to neopentyl.
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