Pyramidal silicon centers within the SiC bond are the most prominent feature of the first cyclic silenes stable at room temperature, as exhibited by X‐ray diffraction (see structure) and calculations. They are quantitatively formed by reaction of lithium disilenides, disila analogues of vinyllithium compounds, with acid chlorides, and are relatively inert, for example, towards the addition of MeOH.

Electronic communication between two SiSi double bonds is enabled by a phenylene linkage and expressed in a large red shift of the longest‐wavelength UV/Vis absorptions of deep red tetrasiladiene 1 compared to yellow phenyldisilene 2.

Strong signals: The RNA‐catalyzed transfer of a biotin reporter was used to preamplify a signal that was detected in an enzyme‐based readout, thereby increasing its sensitivity. The advantages of combining the covalent attachment of biotin and preamplification were demonstrated by the detection of 500 attomol HIV RNA. The flexibility requirements of DNA‐ and RNA‐catalyzed transfer reactions were tested.

There and back: An isocyanide‐centered silene–disilene reversibility was observed for the insertion of isocyanides into unsymmetrically substituted disilenes. This reaction leads to the formation of silenes at room temperature; the disilene is regenerated in the presence of a Lewis acid.