SILICON DERIVATIVES OF THE METALS OF GROUP-1 AND GROUP-2

An account is given of the syntheses, structures and reactions of comp ounds containing group 1 or 2 elements bonded to silicon. The review c oncentrates mainly on the group 1 derivatives as these are far more nu merous than those of the group 2 elements. Silyllithium compounds are discussed in most detail, particularly Ph(3)SiLi and (Me(3)Si)(3)SiLi for which convenient syntheses are available. The use of silyllithium reagents for organometallic and inorganic synthetic purposes is descri bed and an outline of some of the more important reactions in organic chemistry is given.