Keywords: Silicon / Siloxanes / Cage compounds / PnicogensThe cage compounds [E 2 {(SiMe 2 ) 2 O} 3 ] for E = P, As, Sb, and Bi (1, 4, 5, and 6, respectively) are readily accessible in moderate yields by the reaction of Na 3 E (for E = P, As, Sb, Bi) or [Li(dme)EH 2 ] (for E = P, As; dme = dimethoxyethane) with 1,3-dichloro-1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane.These compounds were isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The major structural parameters such as the E-Si bond length and the Si-E-Si angles are discussed and compared with those of similar compounds. The small Si-ESi angles in these compounds are attributable to steric and electronic reasons. Further, the R 3 M-E[(SiMe 2 ) 2 O] 3 E-MR 3
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