Vacuum-ultraviolet spectroscopy of poly(methylphenylsilylene).

The first vacuum-ultraviolet spectrum of a polysilylene (chain-type polysilane) with aromatic substituents is presented. Assignments of the absorption bands of the model compound poly(methylphenylsilylene) are based on previous experimental data and theoretical electronic band structure calculations for poly(alkylsilylenes) and on ultraviolet spectra of phenyl-containing monomers and polymers. Although aryl orbitals mix with the sigma-conjugated orbitals located along the catenated silicon backbone, some transitions are largely localized on the phenyl groups. These assignments elucidate the nature of the bonding in polysilylenes and should be useful in understanding photodegradation mechanisms and in the design of related new optical materials.

Facile sonochemical synthesis of graphite intercalation compounds.

[reaction: see text] Graphite intercalation compounds (GICs) are useful as powerful reducing agents in organic chemistry and are typically prepared by anaerobic solid-state reactions at high temperatures for 1-8 h. We have been able to prepare KC(8) in situ in toluene using ultrasound in less than 5 min. This allows for a convenient approach to reductive chemical syntheses involving GICs.