Dendritic polysilanes

Dendritic polysilanes consist of silicon chains that emanate from a silicon core and branch one or more times. First- and second-generation dendrimers have been prepared that possess longest chains up to 13 silicon atoms. Ultraviolet absorption occurs at a wavelength similar to that of straight polysilane chains of similar length. The intensity of electronic absorption, however, is enhanced on a molar basis compared with linear structures. The dendrimers are robust and often crystalline. Numerous crystal structures have been solved, providing unique information about polysilane conformations.