Crystal structures of poly(di-ethyl silane) and poly(di-n-propyl silane)

Abstract
The packings of the poly(di-ethyl silane) and poly(di-n-propyl silane) crystals have been examined by comparing the experimental X-ray diffraction pattern with the theoretical pattern. The silicon backbone conformation of both crystal is all trans, and the side-chain conformation is mostly determined by the intramolecular steric hindrance. The molecules are closely packed in both cases, and the intermolecular distance is well explained by considering the van der Waals radii of the CH2 and CH3 groups.