I know that the $\ce{Si-Cl}$ bond has a slightly higher energy, but silyl chlorides are much more readily hydrolyzed compared to alkyl chlorides. I do not fully understand why that is. My thoughts so far are:
There is a better match in energy between the orbitals of the $\ce{Si-Cl}$ bond and water.
Reactions proceed when there is a favorable interaction between HOMO and LUMO.
In this case, the HOMO is the lone pair on the water molecule. The LUMO of a $\ce{Si-Cl}$ bond is closer to it in energy compared to a $\ce{C-Cl}$ bond.
Is this the right argument to take?
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