Ceramics via polymer pyrolysis: (1) general principles and (2) the crystal and molecular structure of μ-imido-bis-[bis(trimethylsilylamino)(trimethylsilylamino)]borane

Preceramic polymer chemistry is reviewed in terms of the intrinsic limitations of this approach and with respect to how polymer structure affects ceramic yield. Boron nitride precursor polymer chemistry is discussed together with the synthesis of the title compound (I), which is a model for the product of a boron nitrogen (=B-Cl + H-N=) condensation polymerization. The crystal and molecular structure of (I) has been determined and the presence of a central N2BNBN2 skeleton is confirmed.