The Sciences: Chemistry:

 

Silanes

 

By Prof Dr Dr Randolph Riemschneider

Institute of Biochemistry, Free University (FU) Berlin, Germany

Central Institute of Chemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM), Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

 

                                                           

Editor’s Note: BWW Society Life Fellow Prof R Riemschneider pointed to Silanes as a possible energy source already in his essay “Alternatives to Atomenergy and Oil” (1). Here you will find a more detailed look on this subject: Plate 1.

 

In the order of the quantity of deposits, the crust of the earth contains the elements oxygen, silicon, aluminium, iron and calcium (O-Si-Al-Fe-Ca or, as a German mnemonic, Sa-Si-Al-Ei-Ca). Carbon, the basic element of organic chemistry and the foundation of our "hydrocarbon age" which received its name from our dependence on oil lags far behind, while silicon in the form of silica (rock, sand) is among the first. In view of these facts, it is obvious to consider "hydrosilicons", i.e. silicon hydrogen compounds, i.e. silanes, silicon compounds corresponding to hydrocarbons, as an alternative energy source, especially when taking into account that two reactions generating energy may occur during the "combustion" of silanes. Plate 1 shows these reactions on the example of octasilane which corresponds to octane, Si₈H₁₈, and on the silane Si₉H₂₀. The components air oxygen and air nitrogen are available in unlimited quantities, as are rocks and sand (2a,b,c).

 

The author considers silanes, Si_xH_2x+2 (x ≥ 7) to be a possible alternative energy source (1,2c) parallel to alkanes, C_xH_2x+2 , especially because two energy-generating reactions occur, i.e. not only is the hydrogen of the silanes burnt, but the Si formed according to Gl 1 and 4 is also reacted in the heat together with added Si to form Si₃N₄ in a reaction that also generates energy. Sum equations 3 and 6. They however, show only the side of recovery of energy by "combustion" of silanes and silicon, the preparation of which is energy-consu­ming. A final energy balance can only be made when the technologies for the reactions according to Gl.3 and Gl.6 as well as for preparing the silanes including the process of pyrolysis have been developed further. Ready for industrial production and known are only the processes for producing silicon and magnesium silicide (2a).

 

 

 

Plate 1: Energy from Silanes (2a)

 

The two energy-generating reactions of a complete "combustion" of silanes with the addition of O₂, N₂ and Si, formulated for octasilanes (Gl 1-3) and nonasilanes (Gl 4-6):

 

 

 

 

The author has been conducting research on silanes since 1941. While studying chemistry at Leipzig University, he had the luck that Prof. Dr. Kautzky gave him the job of preparing lower silanes in the existing STOCK apparatus (3): magnesium silicide and phosphoric acid were reacted to form silanes of the Si number 1 - 2 (introduction of silicide into the acid). During the same term, even silico­chloroform, HSiCl₃ (4,5), was prepared as a literature formulation (4) [continued 1948/49 in (5)]: Analogous to HGeCl₃ [Plate 6 (10a,b)] HSiCl₃ was reacted with unsaturated compounds of all kinds: Plate 5 (4,5). We also considered Si compounds containing halogen as a starting material for recovering silanes (6, 14).

 

In 1943, the question of production of higher silanes and whether these are stable, self-igniting and explosive like the known lower representatives of this class of compounds was discussed at the Military Research Institute for Explosives in Prague where the author worked before his discharge from military service. During that time, the author was deeply involved with the methods of preparing silanes (6a).

 

Since the methods of STOCK and FEHER were unsuitable for recovering higher silanes (Si > 5) in large amounts and experiments with other methods of silane preparation known at the time were unsatisfactory (6), the author opened new routes for the preparation of higher silanes during the 1950s and 60s (7a,b), starting with the experience from pyrolysis experiments conducted during his work at the hydrogenation plant and later (12a-g).

 

Given the sensitivity of lower silanes to oxygen (2b, 3, 6), catalytic pyrolysis of lower silanes to higher ones in vacuo was one obvious alternative. By catalytic pyrolysis at temperatures between 350 and 450°C we obtained the following main products:

 

"Pentasilanes"    (420° C)   from  "Trisilanes"

"Heptasilanes"    (400° C)   from  "Tetrasilanes"

"Octasilanes"      (350° C)   from  "Pentasilanes" (7a,b, 9d).

 

Dr. H. Herzel from the Berlin Institute for Material Testing subjected the silanes to a chromatographic examination [7b, Table 1 in (9d)].

 

As a result of these experiments, it was found for the first time that, contrary to lower silanes, higher silanes, i.e. silanes having an Si number of 7 and higher, are stable and no longer self-igniting (if free of corresponding silanes) and need therefore not be classified as explosives (7b, 9a,b).

 

In a letter dated November 1, 1971 (Plate 2), the author submitted seven laboratory reports and manuscripts on silanes to the patent department of HOECHST, offering to make them available for a patent application. Unfortunately, his offer was not accepted.

The oil crisis came two years later!

 

At the time (1962 and 1971, respectively) however, HOECHST asked to refrain from publishing these important results.

From 1950 onwards, the author worked with HOECHST for 22 years, especially in the field of synthetic insecticides, cf also  http://bwwsociety.org/journal/html//pestcontrol.htm 2005, copied in (2c): PROJ. III 5.3

 

 

Unfortunately, the U.S. Commission that had invited the author for a discussion in Berlin-Tempelhof as a result of the 1973 oil crisis did not show any interest in this alternative energy production (Plate 3a,b and 4):

 

As a result of several publications and lectures on petrochemical topics [e.g. (8), cited in (2c): PROJ III 1, Plate 3], American scientists and technicians had contacted the author in 1973 on behalf of the U.S. government to discuss his work in a pitch high-pressure hydrogenation factory during the 2^nd World War. [Copy of the letter with translation in Plate 3a,b plus Appendix: Plate 4]. During this interview, the author had pointed out that the technology used at the time was outdated and had never been evaluated under economical aspects. On the occasion of this meeting in Berlin-Tempelhof he addressed the topic of SILANES as energy sources based on comprehensive experimental reports and especially pointed out the fact that higher silanes (Si ≥ 7) are stable and no longer self-igniting: Plate 4: Appendix to the letter in Plate 3a,b. During a slide presentation, Plate 1 was shown and explained. As already indicated above, the desired cooperation in this field regrettably did not materialise.

 

In this presentation Plate 1 has been presented for the first time and lateron also in letters to HOECHST [(7b, 9a,d) Plate 2] and to the US Commission. In order to warn against too optimistic expectations in this presentation and in later lectures it had been pointed out that a complete energy balance can only be made when the technologies for preparing all starting materials and for the use of silanes (Gl. 3 and 6) in engines has been developed further.

 

The author first addressed the issue of "Silanes as Fuels" in 1971 (2a) and again in the "Addendum to the Oil Crisis 1973“ (2c): Plate 4:

 

“Reference here is to the equations for the „combustion” of octa- and nonasilane with oxygen  a n d  for  Si (formed and added to) with nitrogen: Pl.1.

It may well be possible to use "silanes mixed with silicon" as a propellant for rockets [eg as a substitute for kerosine and hydrazine], as the specific weight of silanes with a Si number 7 and above is higher that of the corresponding hydrocarbons and thus saves space. A technology for using both of the - simultaneous - "combustion" processes of silanes with oxygen  and nitrogen for rocket propulsion and "petrol" engines has yet to be developed.

It has been known for quite some time that metallic silicon releases considerable quantities of energy when combusting with nitrogen at higher temperatures (9c) - but no consequences have yet been drawn from this fact. We established the heat of combustion from Si₈H₁₈ and brought it into relation to C₈H₁₈ (9b)”.

According to the author’s opinion priority should have been given to propulsion experiments, but the involved Brazilian colleagues and myself were not prepared enough for such experiments; so only orientational trials could be done (11d).

 

Here are a few details about practical experiments with "petrol silane oil mixtures" in internal combustion engines and later in propellants for rockets, derived from the cited sources and (11b,c, and d).

 

With the aid of CONSULTING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING, S. Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, -  headed by Dr. M. M. Faria - , and of BRASTONE, Ltd., Curitiba, PR, -  headed by Dr. F. R. Pesserl -, experiments on the behaviour of mixtures of petrol and silanes having an Si number of 7 to 9 in internal combustion engines were conducted from 1982 to 1985 (11b). The necessary quantities of silane had been prepared at the technical department of the Chemical Central Institute of UFSM, in Santa Maria, RS, and smaller quantities by BRASTONE, Ltd. We investigated "petrol silane oil mixtures" which contained the components in the ratio 9 : 1, 8 : 1 and 7 : 1. Even during longer operation, the engines did not suffer any damage. First attempts were made to filter off Si that had evolved unless it had "burnt". As far as can be judged so far, the first practical experiments conducted in Brazil (11b) with the "petrol silane oil mixtures" produced in Brazil according to our method were positive (11a). However, considerable development work will be necessary to get larger silane oil quantities ready for production and for their use in internal combustion engines, especially under the aspect of profitability (11c).

Rocket propulsion experiments with mixtures of "silanes plus silicon addition in water" plus X by "combustion in O₂, N₂“ were also conducted under the direction of Dres. M. M. Faria and F. R. Pesserl (CONSULTING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING and BRASTONE) as well as scientists from UFSM 1984-89 in Brazil (11d).

These experiments as well as those of (11b) remained unfinished: breaking off because the mentioned Brazilian colleagues had died in the beginning of the 90ies (firms were liquidated without succesors).

 

Unfortunately, the author was unable to conduct similar experiments at the Free University in Berlin, because his lab, which belonged to the Free University, at an explosives testing site in Berlin-Grunewald (initially financed by the German Research Community), had to be abandoned in 1968/69 because of the student rebellion and the new University Law resulting in the so-called "democratisation" of the Free University.

 

At the end of these observations, the author wishes to point out the significance of the silane studies started in the 1970s by P. Plichta and associates (13). The FEHER student, Dr. Plichta, is considered a fellow campaigner advocating the production and use of higher silanes as fuel. Unfortunately, P. Plichta and associates were not successful either in achieving a breakthrough of silanes as fuel in spite of their intensive efforts. Their patent application DE 2 139 155 of 1971, published in 1973, was not opposed by the author at the time, as agreed with the head of the patent department of Farbwerke HOECHST, Dr. Beer. The comprehensive own experimental data on catalytic pyrolysis which even exceeded the information in that patent specification provided sufficient substance for a subsequent patent application should HOECHST so wish.

The author met Prof Feher in the 60ies during a Chemical Congress and presented to him Plate 1 on a confidential basis in order to establish some form of co-operation but Prof Feher declined. 

 

In the following: Plates 2 to 7:

Plate 2:         Copy of letter from Nov 01 1971, written to the patent department of HOECHST

Plate 3a:        Copy of letter written to the US Commission

Plate 3b:       Translation of 3a

Plate 4:         Enclosure to 3a,b

Plate 5:         Photocopy of publication “Adducts from HSiCl₃ and           unsaturated compounds”

                     Bull Inst of Physiolog Chem, Berlin, Dec 49 (5 a)

Plate 6:         Photocopy of publication “Adducts from HGeCl₃ and          unsaturated compounds”

                     Bull Inst of Physiolog Chem, Berlin, Dec 49 (10 a)

Plate 7:         Photocopy of patent specification for public scrutiny            "Method for preparing new organoselenium chlorine        compounds"; PROJ XVII in (2c)

 

 

Plate 2:         Copy of letter from Nov 01 1971, written to the patent department of HOECHST[1]

 

 

 A b s c h  r i f t

 

Prof.Dr.R.Riemschneider

FU Berlin

 

 

An die Patentabteilung                                                                                 Bln, 1.11.1971

Farbwerke HOECHST

Hoechst

 

Betr: Silane – Prüfung der Unterlagen auf Patentfähigkeit (unveröffentlichte Berichte und Manuskripte: 7 Anlagen)

 

Sehr geehrte Herren: 

Unter Hinweis auf die bei meinem letzten Besuch in Hoechst gemachten Ausführungen über “SILANE als Energieträger und Herstellung höherer Silane“ übersende ich heute folgende Unterlagen aus den Jahren 1959 bis 1971  (die ersten drei Laborberichte sind Ihnen  bereits  1959 und 1962 zugesandt worden. Sie baten damals, zunächst von einer Veröffentlichung abzusehen):

Riemschneider, Sato, „Synthese von Silanen Si 2-4 u.höher – nach FEHER u.a.“, Lab report 1959, 14 S. (1.10.59); Riemschneider, Otto, „Synthese von Silanen durch Pyrolyse“ Lab report Mai 1960, 6 S., 11.10.60); Riemschneider, Herzel, „Continuing to pyrolize lower silanes (Si 2-4) to higher ones (Si more than 4) in high vaccum at 350-450° C – “Examining the silane-fractions by chromatography”, Lab rep.1962, 17p (12.12.1962). –   Riemschneider, Herzel, Traversa, “Hepta- und Oktasilane, stabil und nicht selbstentzündlich“, Ms Jan 1970, 8 S.; Riemschneider, Newton, „Vergleich der Verbrennungsenergien von Si₇H₁₆ und Si₈H₁₈ mit den entsprechenden Paraffinen, Ms Dez.’70, 6 S.; Riemschneider, Herzel, „Bildungswärme von Si₃N₄ – Bedeutung der Reaktion von N₂ mit Si für die Treibstoff-Chemie“  Ms Febr.1971; Riemschneider, „Silane als Treibstoffe“,  Vortrag in LIONS-Club Berlin, Mai 1971. 

Ich bitte jetzt, wie auch seinerzeit in meinem Schreiben vom 12.12.1962, um Prüfung der Unterlagen auf Patentfähigkeit. Die Silane dürften vor allem als Raketentreibstoffe (in Mischung mit Si in Wasser) von Interesse sein. Für Motoren wird es noch Entwicklungs-arbeit bedürfen.- Für die Schädlingsbekämpfung haben  nur die organischen Silizium-verbindungen Interesse, die von uns durch Addition von HSiCl₃ an ungesättigte Verbb. hergestellt worden sind; vgl das Ihnen seinerzeit zugesandte Manuskript und Publikation: „Addukte von HSiCl₃ an ungesättigte Verbb.“ Mitt Physiolog.chem.Institut Bln, Dez.1949.

 

Mit besten Empfehlungen

 

 

 

 

Plate 3a:  Copy of letter written to the US Commission

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plate  3b:  Translation of letter (Plate 3a)

 

USA Commission                                 Prof Dr Dr R Riemschneider

Platz der Luftbrücke                            Free University of Berlin

Berlin-Tempelhof

 

Ref: Oil crisis - discussion by invitation

 

Dear Sirs,

 

Firstly, I thank you for the invitation to talks about my experience in the field of petrochemistry, in particular my work in a hydrogenation plant for synthesizing fuels. We had hydrogenated pitch and tar oil distillates below 700 at H₂ at 500°C to molybdenum sulphide: RUHRÖL GmbH, Bottrop. Liquid and vapour phase strippers were formed and from them: benzine, middle and fuel oil, all fractions rich in aromatics. Due to stand-by duty (war), I was familiar with all the departments: high pressure, gas factory, low pressure and carbon extraction[2].

I did, however, have to emphasize right at the start of our talks that the technology of the time is considered obsolete today. Cost was unimportant then.

I took the opportunity to report to you on my silane research. Higher silanes are easy to handle and stable (Si over 7/8). I refer to the APPENDIX which contains facts.

I would be pleased if it came to cooperation in this promising field. Reserves of SiO₂, N₂ and O₂ are immeasurable.

There are unfortunately no opportunities at the FUB since the university reform – narrowly focused working groups have been formed. It does not feel much like university any more.

I also referred to the immeasurable heat in the earth's interior and submitted my article "THE EARTH ITSELF IS THE EARTH'S BIGGEST POWER PLANT" (1950) to you.

My respects and thanks for your interest

Yours faithfully

(signed)

1973

R Riemschneider

 

_________

enclosures

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plate 4:         Enclosure to Plates 3 a, b

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plate 5:   Photocopy of publication "Adducts from HSiCl₃ and unsaturated compounds", Bull Inst of Physiolog Chem, Berlin, Dec 49 (5a)

 

 

Annotation to quote (1) of photocopy above, as Plate 6 in the following. In continuation  to HSiCl₃ and HGeCl₃ also SeCl₄ has been converted with unsatureated compounds: Plate 7

 

 

Plate 6:

 

continued on next page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Plate 7:         Photocopy of patent specification for public scrutiny   "Method for preparing new organoselenium chlorine compounds"; PROJ XVII.

 

 

Continued on next page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The experiments belonging to this essay were carried out in:

 

1941	Dept of Organic and Anorganic Chemistry, Chemical Inst, Univ Leipzig
1943	Heeresforschungsinstitut for explosives in Prag
1943/44	Labs of RUHRÖL GmbH, Bottrop
1947/49	Physiolog-chem Inst, Univ Berlin
1955-62	Department of Biochemistry, FU Berlin
1963-68	Inst of Biochemistry, FU Berlin
1969-85	Central Inst of Chemistry, UFSM,Santa Maria, RS, Brasil
1975-87	Inst of Biochemistry, FU Berlin
1978-90	Labs of CONSULTING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING,  S. Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (Dr. M.M.Faria), Brasil
1978-90	Labs of BRASTONE, Ltd.  (Dr. Pesserl), Curitiba, Brasil

 

1980, Silane oils (Si ≥ 7) were prepared in large scale by catalytic pyrolysis the first time in Brasil in batches over 10 kg .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References :

 

(1)          R. Riemschneider:

Alternatives to Atomic Energy and Oil

              http://www.bwwsociety.org/journal/html/alternatives.htm

Nov Issue 2006

 

(2a)        R Riemschneider

"Silanes as fuels" („Silane als Treibstoffe“)

Lecture given in Lions Club, Berlin in May 71; cf in (2c):  III 2: Addendum.

In this lecture plate 1 was made public for the first time, and then in the letters to HOECHST and the US-Kommision (Plate 2-4)[3].

In this and later lectures the author warned against too much optimism.

And pointed out that a complete energy balance could be calculated only after further development of the technology of all starting materials and the production of silanes (Plate 1: Gl.3 and 6) and their application in combustion engines and rockets.

 

(2b)        R Riemschneider

Bibliography of silicon hydrides: silanes (Siliziumwasserstoffe)

Report 1957, 22 p (unpublished)      

 

(2c)        R. Riemschneider

              “Re-Reading – 66 years Chemistry”, PROJ III  4,6: Silanes, PROJ III  2: Addendum to oil-crisis 1973 (in Vorbereitung)

 

(3)          R.Riemschneider

              Converting magnesium silicide, introduced into phosphoric acid to silanes, while excluding atmospheric oxygen. (Umsetzung von Magnesiumsilizid zu Silanen unter O₂-Ausschluß)

Conducted in Dept of Anorg Chem, Inst of Chem, Univ of Leipzig (Prof Dr Kautsky)

              Lab report June 1941, 8 p

 

 (4)         R. Riemschneider

              Trichlorosilane, HSiCl₃ (Trichlorsilan) as reference preparation in the frame of deepening study of organic chemistry at University of Leipzig, task set by Profs Drs C Weygand and H Bredereck

              Lap report May 1941; cf also (5)

 

 (5a)       R. Riemschneider

              Adducts from HSiCl₃ and unsaturated compounds

              Mitt. Physiolog.chem.Inst., Berlin, Dec 1949; see Plate 5

 

 (5b)       H Renner, R Riemschneider, H Horak

Continuation of experiments conducted in 1948 - 49 [(5a) broken off due to changing university] to add HSiCl₃ to unsaturated compounds, incl alkynes (Fortsetzung der 1948/49  durchgeführten [wegen Universitätswechsel abgebrochenen] Versuche der Addition von  HSiCl₃ an ungesättigte Verbindungen, einschl.  Alkine)

Lab report Oct 58, 10 p (secreted)[4]⁾

 

(6a)      R Riemschneider

Synthesis of silanes⁴⁾

Report 1943 im Heeresforschungsinstitut für Explosivstoffe, Prag

 

  (6b)      R Riemschneider, H Sato

Synthesis of silanes with Si n^o 2-4  and higher - according to STOCK-FEHER and other methods (Synthese von Silanen)

Lab report 1959, 14 p (secreted)

Regarding polysilanes, (SiH₂)_x , see (14)

 

(7a)      R.Riemschneider, H.D.Otto

Synthesizing silanes by pyrolysis (Synthese von Silanen durch Pyrolyse)

Lab report May 60, 9 p; (secreted)

Several pyrolysis apparatuses were developed to thermally cyclize unsaturated hydrocarbons (12a-g) in 1943 - 60; a modified version for the range 300° - 450° C and high vacuum, described in 1959, was used  here; cf  (2c) there PROJ III 4.6; cf also (12b,f,g)

 

(7b)     R Riemschneider, F Herzel

Continuing to pyrolize lower silanes (Si 2 - 4) to (Si >4) ones in high vacuum at 350 - 450° C - examining the silane fractions by chromatography (Si >4) (Pyrolyse niederer Silane)

Lab reports 1962/65, 17 p - patent application discussed with Dr Beer of HOECHST's Patent Dept, but deferred; details in (2c) there PROJ III 4.6

Silanes, Si ≥ 7, are oily-liquid, stable and not self-ignite (if Si₆H₁₄-free)

 

(8)       R Riemschneider

Lubricating oil-like hydrocarbons from products of pitch high-pressure hydrogenation plant (Schmierölartige Kohlenwasserstoffe aus Produkten eines Pech-Hochdruckhydrierwerkes)

Published in Angew Chemie B 19, 92 - 93 (1947); author's doctoral thesis, Jena 1945, 142 p; research done from Apr 43 to 20 July 44; cf (2c) there PROJ III: Pl 3, with comments on pitch high-pressure hydrogenation plant

 

(9a)      R Riemschneider, F Herzel, R Traversa

Hepta- and octasilanes - stable and not selfignite (as for example SiH₄ to Si₆H₁₂) (Hepta- und Oktosilane, stabil u. nicht selbstentzündlich)

Ms Jan 70, 8 p (secreted)¹; cf (2c) PROJ  III 4.6

n-heptasilane boils at 225–27°C (density 0.86)

n-octasilane boils at approx 120°C higher than n-octane (density 0.88). Data taken from lab-reports Mss 1960/62 (7a,b);  cf Table 1 (9d)

 

(9b)    R Riemschneider, P Newton

Comparison of Si₇H₁₆ and Si₈H₁₈ combustion energy with the corresponding paraffins - silanes have higher values; cf (2c) PROJ III 4.6 (Vergleich der Verbrennungsenergien von Si₇H₁₆ und Si₈H₁₈  mit den entsprechenden Paraffinen -  Silane besitzen höhere Werte)

Ms Dec 70, 6 p (secreted in the narrow interest of FARBWERKE HOECHST); cf. also Plate 2

 

(9c)      R Riemschneider, F Herzel

Formation heat of Si₃N₄ - significance of reaction of N₂ with Si for fuel chemistry (Bildungswärme von  Si₃N₄ -  Bedeutung der Reaktion von N₂ mit Si für die Treibstoff-Chemie)

            Ms Feb 71 (secreted); cf. also Plate 2

 

(9d)     R. Riemschneider

            „Higher Silanes- Preparation and Analysis“,

round-table lecture, given in Feb 1971 in the Crop protetction department of FARBWERKE HOECHST in Hoechst, chair: Director Dr.F.Scherer and Dr. Beer, Patent department HOECHST.

Content of lecture: Presentation of Plate 1 and prescription of the experiments in 6 tables; here as an example Table 1. See also Plate 2.

 

 

Table 1:  Composition of a heptasilanes/octasilanes fraction, received by pyrolysis of a mixture of tetrasilanes and pentasilanes (gaschromatography):

 

Main fraction (100%) (several times refractionated):

  n-Si₇H₁₆  (26%),  iso-Si₇H₁₆  (45%), n-Si₈H₁₈ (10%), iso-Si₇H₁₆ (19%)

First  runnings (100%): 

  Si₄H₁₀ + Si₅H₁₂   (31%) Si₆H₁₄  (40%);  residue: Si₉H₂₀ and higher (8%);  loss

 

 (10a) R. Riemschneider mit A. Küchenmeister, W. Stuck, E. Schölzel

Über Addukte aus HGeCl₃ und ungesättigten Verbindungen

Mitt des Physiologisch-chemischen Instituts Berlin, Dez 1949, 3 pages, pp  1 and 2 in Plate 6; cf also (10c).

The reaction products of HGeCl₃ with unsaturated compounds synthesised here and later did not yield new insecticides (first objective), but, when unsaturated nitriles were used, resulted in water-soluble, Cl-free germano-organic compounds (second objective) cf. in (2c) PROJ XVI.

 

(10b)  R. Riemschneider (Erfinder), O. Matter (Anmelder)

Verfahren zur Herstellung von Addukten aus HGeCl₃ und ungesättigten Verbindungen aller Art

Schweizer Patentanmeldung vom 5.2.1950, basierend auf den Ergebnissen, die in einer der Mitteilungen des Physiologisch-chemischen Instituts der Universität Berlin niedergelegt sind (verfaßt im Dezember 1949, 3 S., einschließlich  4 Tafeln); vgl. auch (10a).

 

(10c)    R. Riemschneider, K. Menge, P. Klang

            Germanium-organische Verbindungen: Über die Umsetzung von Trichlorgerman, HGeCl₃, mit ungesättigten Verbindungen,

            Z.Naturforschg. 11b, 115-116 (1956)[5]

            Aus patentrechtlichen Gründen sind in dieser Mitteilung – im Gegensatz zu (10a,b) -  die Hauptversuche mit Acrylnitril und Acrylsäure nicht erwähnt worden. Hier lag das eigentliche Versuchsziel: Synthese wasserlöslicher Ge-organischer Verbindungen für biochemische, pharmakologische und toxikologische Untersuchungen.  

 

(11a)  R.Riemschneider, W. Pollak

Synthesizing higher silanes by catalytic pyrolysis in large scale experiments  (Synthese höherer Silane durch Pyrolyse im Technikum)

Central Institute of Chemistry, UFSM, Santa Maria, RS., Brasil

Report July 1980, 12 p.

Batches of 10 kg silane oils (Si ≥ 7) . The composititon of the highly active catalysator is secreted. Several repetitions of pyrolysis are possible to increase the yield in higher silanes. Apparatus described here.

 

 

(11b)  R.Riemschneider, M.M.Faria, F.R.Pesserl

Über das Verhalten von Gemischen aus Benzin und Silanen der Si-Zahl

7 bis 9 in  Verbrennungsmotoren

Laborberichte 1982 bis 85 nach Versuchen der CONSULTING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING und von BRASTONE, S.Paulo, Rio de Janeiro und Curitiba, PR, Brasil

Es wurden Benzin-Silanöl-Gemische untersucht, enthaltend die Komponenten im Verhältnis 9:1,  8:1 und 7:1.  Die Motoren nahmen auch bei längerer Laufzeit keinen Schaden. Erste Versuche entstehendes Si auszufiltern.

 

 (11c)   R.Riemschneider

“Silane as fuels“  (“Silane alsTreibstoffe”)

Lecture, given in Aug.1980, Colloquium Central  Inst.of Chemistry UFSM, Santa Maria, RS, Brasil; cf also ref (2a) and Plate 1.

 

(11d)  R.Riemschneider M.M.Faria, F.R.Pesserl

Raketenantriebsversuche mit Gemischen aus Silanen plus x unter Zusatz von Silizium

Protokolle 1984-1989, Versuchsort wie (11b)

 

(12a)    R Riemschneider, F Messing, H Hajek, A Brauner, A Arnold

Developing a first pyrolysis apparatus for the thermal cyclization of unsaturated hydrocarbons (Entwicklung einer ersten Pyrolyse-Apparatur zur thermischen Cyclisierung von ungesättigten KWen)

Secreted lab report from works lab of RUHRÖL GmbH, Bottrop, Nov 43, 10 p plus 2 diagrams;

On further development of apparatus, jointly with Prof G R Schultze, Brunswick (later Hannover) Tech Coll, continued lateron at the Humboldt Univ of Berlin (HUB) and Free University Berlin (FU)

Last used pyrolysis apparatus in (2c) PROJ III  Fig 8

 

(12b)  R Riemschneider, H Kasten

Further development of Nov 44 pyrolysis apparatus (12a) for thermal cyclization of hydrocarbons in microquantities, and new experimental data. (Weiterentwicklung der Pyrolyseapparatur vom Nov 1944 (12a) zur thermischen Cyclisierung von Kohlenwasserstoffen im Mikromengen-Maßstab und neue Versuchsdaten).

Bull Inst of Physiolog Chem, Berlin, Nov 49, 5 p with 3 diagrams

The 1944 experimental results were confirmed. Benzene forms above 650° C etc. Up to 10% hexa-1,3-diene-yne-5 is formed in the range 575 – 625°C. Acetylene was proved as cleavage product above 675° C. This finding indicates that free radical reactions also play a role in addition to molecular rearrangements.

Description of pyrolysis apparatus in (2c): PROJ III Fig 8

 

 

 

 

(12c)  R Riemschneider (lecturer), W Stuck, A Kühnl, Gg R Schultze

4 lectures:

"Quantitative examination of pryolysis of (Quantitative Untersuchungen über die Pyrolyse von)

1) bis-propargyl at 525 – 735°C

2) hexa-1,3-diene-yne-5 at 525°C: Pl 8 a, b in (2c) III  2.

3) aryl hexa-1,3-diene-yne-5 compounds at 500°C – 725°C

4) octa-2,4-diene-yne-6: Pl 7” in (2c)  III  2,

given in round-table talks in Inst of Petrol Research, Hannover Tech Coll in June 55 (chair: Prof Dr Gg R Schultze)

Ms June 55, 19 p incl 4 plates, 5 tables and infrared spectra.

The results for phenylbutadienylacetylene are summarized in table 9.

o-xylene was proved in the reaction products of pyrolyizing octa-2,4-diene-yne-6; cf in (2c): Tab 8a/b, 9 and Pl 8.

 

(12d)  Gg R Schultze, R Riemschneider, M Mutter

Pyrolyzing bis-propargyl at 400°C – 500°C. Proving dimethylene-cyclobutenes: (Zur Pyrolyse von Bis-propargyl im Temperaturbereich

von 400 – 500°C. Nachweis von Di-methylen-cyclobuten) Tab 8a in (2c)

Lab report May 56, 6 p

 

  (12e)  R Riemschneider, Gg R Schultze

"Aromatizing unsaturated aliphatic compounds"

(„Zur Aromatisierung ungesättigter aliphatischer Verbindungen“)

Synopsis of the investigations in this field, covering 1943 - 61; ref in (2c: 232, 233, 235, 237, 240 - 246, 269, 282); unfortunately not concluded due to the untimely death of Prof Dr Gg R Schultze

 

  (12f)   R Riemschneider

Continuation of 1954/55 aromatization experiments using newer chromatographic methods (Fortsetzung der Aromatisierungsversuche aus den Jahren 1954/55 unter Einsatz neuer chromatographischer Methoden)

Ms 1965, 12 p, unpublished

Content included in following synopsis

 

 (12g)    R Riemschneider

Continuing 1966/67 - 69 "High-temperature aromatization experiments"  („Aromatisierungsversuche bei hohen Temperaturen“)

Report 1969, 21 p; cf. ref. in (12e), UFSM, Brasil

Such investigations had to be broken off in 1969 in consequence of the university reform (new University Law, so-called university democratization) after the loss of the institute and its director being demoted to "Comrade head of working group". The author was only able to resume the high-temperature aromatization experiments in the field of technological organic chemistry in Brazil in 1981, viz in the Central Institute of Chemistry - set up by the author in 1963 - 73 and fully functional by 1981 - at the UFSM in S Maria, RS as well as at the University of Curitiba, PR in collaboration with Dr F R Pesserl of BRASTONE, Ltd.

After the positive conclusion of our year-long investigations, begun in 1943 [eg in (2c): from (233) etc], we no longer had such a great need as before and left this field to Brazilian colleagues (1984).

 

(13)    P.Plichta, W.Posch, B.Hidding

„Benzin aus Sand“, Verlag Langen Müller, 2001

 

  (14)      R.Riemschneider, F.R.Pesserl, F.Herzel                 

Synthesis of Silanes, Si_xH_2x+2 , and Polysilanes, (SiH₂)_x   [(6b) continued]

3 lab reports 1987, 19 p (proposed to HOECHST and secreted).

Content: Halogenated silanes can be reduced to silanes better with LiAlH₄   than with Na.    Perhalogenated silanes,  (SiCl₂)_x   [prepared from SiCl₄ + H₂] deliver under these conditions (SiH₂)_x :

(SiH₂)_x is a solid powder, O₂-sensitive, to be stored under N₂ ; from 70° C on self-igniting, under N₂ at 275° C  decomposition into H₂ + SiO₂ (not melting),  in dil NaOH delivering H₂ + SiO₂ , that means  (SiH₂)_x promises to become an interesting “Hydrogen-carrier”  - presumed that the technology: SiO₂          SiCl₄  + H₂         (SiCl₂)_x                      (SiH₂)_x  can be realized. Si itself can also serve as an “Hydrogen-carrier” [Si + H₂O + 2NaOH               2H₂  + Na₂SiO₃],  but less effective than (SiH₂)_x ,

from Labs of BRASTONE and CONCULTING DEVELOPMENT ENGINEERING, Curitiba and S.Paulo, and from the Central Inst of  Chemistry, UFSM, S.Maria,  Brasil.

 

For correspondence: rriemschneider@yahoo.de