Silicon Tetramide, Si(NH₂)₄

Silicon Tetramide, Si(NH₂)₄, is prepared by the general Method for preparing amides, that is, by the interaction of the acid chloride and ammonia. Thus when silicon tetrachloride and ammonia interact in benzene solution below 0° C., or when liquid ammonia and the tetrachloride are mixed together below 0° C., a white solid is formed which is a mixture of the tetramide and the necessary by-product, ammonium chloride:

SiCl₄ + 8NH₃ = Si(NH₂)₄ + NH₄Cl.

From this mixture liquid ammonia dissolves ammonium chloride, leaving silicon tetramide as an unstable, amorphous white substance which above 0° C. loses ammonia, passing into the di-imide. Water decomposes the tetramide into silicic acid and ammonia.