Reversible CO₂ insertion into the silicon–nitrogen σ-bond of an N-heterocyclic iminosilane

The reversible insertion of carbon dioxide into the silicon–nitrogen bond of an N-heterocyclic iminosilane is reported. Solution-phase thermodynamic investigations indicate that this process is thermoneutral and reversible, whereas in the solid-phase CO₂ can be stored for extended periods and is only released upon heating to 133 °C.