Preparation and reactions of a disilyne synthon, 7,7′‐bis(7‐methyl‐1,4,5,6‐tetraphenyl‐7‐sila‐2,3‐benzo‐norbornadiene)

The title compound (2) was prepared by condensing a bis(silole) 1 with benzyne. Thermolysis of 2 in the presence of anthracene, 9,10-dimethylanthracene (DMA), 2,3-dimethylbutadiene, and two acetylenes is described in detail. X-ray structures for the anthracene and DMA adducts are reported.