Silyl ketenes feature a rich reactivity owing to their bifunctionality embodied by the ketene function, C=C=O. Oligomerization along these functions has been proposed as a route to create products with potentially desirable properties, such as degradability. However, the C=C vs. C=O reactivity needs to be understood to specifically target a desired product. This work utilizes contemporary density functional theory in combination with semiempirical quantum approaches to investigate the reactivity of silyl ketenes with representative nucleophiles in order to rationalize reactivity trends. In particular, thermodynamics and kinetics are investigated to better understand factors that impact the formation of intermediates formed via deprotonation versus nucleophilic addition.

Density functional studies of silyl ketene reactivities

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.