Electrochemical Studies of Chlorine Containing Silanes

The reduction potentials of a series of mono-, di- and trichloro alkyl and aryl substituted silanes was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. It was shown that chlorosilanes can be reduced in two one electron steps at potentials more positive than -1V vs SCE. The solvent type (THF, MeCN), silane type and polymerization and electrolyte concentration were varied and found to greatly impact the reduction potential.