Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlled polymerization and/or oligomerization of silane (and optionally cyclosilane) compounds, including those of the general formulae SinH2n and SinH2n+2, as well as halosilanes and arylsilanes, to produce soluble polysilanes, polygermanes and/or polysilagermanes having low levels of carbon and metal contaminants, high molecular weights, low volatility, high purity, high solubility and/or high viscosity. The polysilanes, polygermanes and/or polysilagermanes are useful as a precursor to silicon- and/or germanium-containing conductor, semiconductor and dielectric films.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlled polymerization and/or oligomerization of silane (and optionally cyclosilane) compounds, including those of the general formulae SinH2n and SinH2n+2, as well as halosilanes and arylsilanes, to produce soluble polysilanes, polygermanes and/or polysilagermanes having low levels of carbon and metal contaminants, high molecular weights, low volatility, high purity, high solubility and/or high viscosity. The polysilanes, polygermanes and/or polysilagermanes are useful as a precursor to silicon- and/or germanium-containing conductor, semiconductor and dielectric films.

Abstract: A method is provided for carrying out depolymerization of a polymer containing electrophilic linkages in the presence of a catalyst and a nucleophilic reagent, wherein production of undesirable byproducts resulting from polymer degradation is minimized. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature of 80° C. or less, and generally involves the use of an organic, nonmetallic catalyst, thereby ensuring that the depolymerization product(s) are substantially free of metal contaminants. In an exemplary depolymerization method, the catalyst is a carbene compound such as an N-heterocyclic carbene, or is a precursor to a carbene compound. The method provides an important alternative to current recycling techniques such as those used in the degradation of polyesters, polyamides, and the like.

Abstract: A method is provided for carrying out depolymerization of a polymer containing electrophilic linkages in the presence of a catalyst and a nucleophilic reagent, wherein production of undesirable byproducts resulting from polymer degradation is minimized. The reaction can be carried out at a temperature of 80° C. or less, and generally involves the use of an organic, nonmetallic catalyst, thereby ensuring that the depolymerization product(s) are substantially free of metal contaminants. In an exemplary depolymerization method, the catalyst is a carbene compound such as an N-heterocyclic carbene, or is a precursor to a carbene compound. The method provides an important alternative to current recycling techniques such as those used in the degradation of polyesters, polyamides, and the like.