Analysis of the NMR spectra of some dimethylsilanes

The spectra of the protons in the CH2 groups alpha to silicon in dimethylsi lanes show a characteristic distorted triplet-like structure. These protons resonate in a characteristic region of the spectrum, and the features are often used to identify these silanes. Many such silanes are used in industr y, since they have a variety of useful properties and can be easily made by hydrosilylation reactions. The spectra are clearly not amenable to first-o rder analysis, but rather form part of a classic AA'XX' spin system. We rep ort the complete analysis of the proton NMR spectrum of dimethylpropylsilan e, its alkyl analog, 2-methylpentane, and dimethylethylsilane. Copyright (C ) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.