Silicon-containing alka-1,3-dienes and their functional derivatives in organic synthesis

Data on the synthesis and chemical reactions of silicon-containing 1,3-dienes are surveyed for the first time in the present review. It is shown that the addition reactions of 1- and 2-triorganosilylalka-1,3-dienes and their derivatives are the most interesting and promising in fine organic synthesis. The application of the trialkylsilyl group as a protecting group and as a new reaction centre, which makes it possible to obtain carbon–carbon or carbon–heteroatom bonds, is examined. It has been found that the double bonds remote from the silicon atom are the most reactive in addition reactions and that regardless of the nature of the reagent the attacking species always binds to the terminal carbon atom of the buta-1,3-diene fragment. The bibliography includes 329 references.