Abstract Tris (trimethylsilyl) methyllithium reacts with the anhydrous halides MC1 2 (M= Zn or Cd) to give the compounds [(Me 3 Si) 3 C] 2 M, which show high thermal and chemical stability. They decompose only above 300 C, with formation of (Me 3 Si) 3 CH, and are not attacked by water in refluxing THF. The zinc compound can be steam-distilled without decomposition, and does not react with boiling concentrated hydrochloric acid or with ...
