Dimerization of a lattice-framework silanone into the corresponding 1,3-dioxa-2,4-disiletanes

A lattice-framework silanone 4 was generated by the photoreaction of the corresponding disilene with mesitonitrile oxide. Silanone 4 was dimerized to give a mixture of the corresponding dl- and meso-1,3-dioxa-2,4-disiletane derivatives 2. DFT calculations suggested that the non-selective dimerization of dl-4 to 2 is attributed to the irreversibility of the reaction.