Silane
Description
A gas with a repulsive odor. Silane gas (SiH4) is used to the manufacture of semiconductors and in the manufacture of amorphous silica. The name silane is also used for a series of silicon hydride compounds, analogous to paraffin hydrocarbons, and having the general formula (Si)n(H2)n+2. Silanes are inherently unstable but have the unique ability to bind organic polymers to inorganic substrates. They have been used in the consolidation of masonry, adobe, and stone.
Synonyms and Related Terms
silicon tetrahydride; silicane; monosilane; silano (Esp.); silane (Fr.); silano (It.); silano (Port.)
Other Properties
Decomposes in water and potassium hydroxide solutions. Insoluble in ethanol, benzene, ether, chloroform
| Composition | SiH4 |
|---|---|
| CAS | 7803-62-5 |
| Melting Point | -200 |
| Molecular Weight | mol. wt. = 32.1 |
| Boiling Point | -112 |
Hazards and Safety
Dangerous fire risk; ignites spontaneously. Liquid can cause frostbite. Toxic by inhalation.
LINK: International Chemical Safety Card
Authority
- Richard S. Lewis, Hawley's Condensed Chemical Dictionary, Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 10th ed., 1993
- The Merck Index, Martha Windholz (ed.), Merck Research Labs, Rahway NJ, 10th edition, 1983 Comment: entry 8623
- G.S.Brady, Materials Handbook, McGraw-Hill Book Co., New York, 1971 Comment: p. 718