Si–O and P–O motifs in inorganic rings and clusters

This article presents a brief overview of different kinds of silanols and the important reactions of N-bonded silanetriols. The synthesis and characterization of silanediols containing Si–N and Si–C bonds, (2,4,6-Me3C6H2)N(SiMe3)Si(Me)(OH)2 (1e) is described. 1e shows a polymeric crinkled tape type of structure due to extensive intermolecular hydrogen bonding. We also describe the formation of a neutral copper(II) complex derived from the reaction of CuCl2 with (O)P(3,5-Me2Pz)3 where the ligand undergoes a facile P–N bond cleavage and functions as an N2O type of tridentate ligand.