Abstract Phenylated alkynes form 1, 4-disila-cyclohexadienes (VIII–X) with thermally generated Me 2 Si (200 C). Bulky substituents (CMe 3, SiMe 3) prevent the addition. The strained cycloalkyne, 3, 3, 6, 6-tetramethyl-1-thia-cycloheptyne-4 (XI), however, yields the known silirene XII (2, 2, 6, 6, 8, 8-hexamethyl-8-sila-4-thia-bicyclo [5.1. 0 Δ1. 7] octane); its transformation to the 1, 4-disila-cyclohexadiene is prevented by steric effects. Thermally ...