Oxidative coupling as a potential route to polymers of group IV acetylenes

Bis tert-butyl-, trimethylsilyl- and trimethylgermyl-diacetylenes were prepared from the corresponding ethynyl Group IV compounds via oxidative coupling. Bis(trimethylstannyl)diacetylene could not be prepared by oxidative coupling, but was prepared via another technique. Coupling of diethynyldimethylsilane did not lead to the expected polymer, as cleavage of the silicon–ethynyl bond occurred. However, coupling of 1,3-bis(dimethylethynyl)disiloxane did lead to polymer containing alternating diacetylene and disiloxane units.