silane

si·lane

noun \ˈsi-ˌlān, ˈsī-\

Definition of SILANE

: any of various compounds of hydrogen and silicon that have the general formula Si_nH_2n+2 and are analogous to alkanes

Origin of SILANE

International Scientific Vocabulary silicon + methane

First Known Use: 1916

silane

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of a series of inorganic compounds of silicon and hydrogen with covalent bonds and the general chemical formula SiH. Silanes are structural analogs of saturated hydrocarbons (see saturation; alkane) but are much less stable. All burn or explode when exposed to air and react readily with halogens or hydrogen halides to form halogenated silanes and with olefins to form alkylsilanes, products used as water repellents and as starting materials for silicones.

Variants of SILANE

silane or silicon hydride