Use of a silylamido-magnesium chloride and a magnesium bis-silylamide where the Si-N-Si core is crafted in a cyclic structure, toward magnesium battery application is demonstrated. Reaction between prepared silylamido magnesium compounds and a Lewis acid in tetrahydrofuran solvent furnishes the desired electrolytes. Embedding the Si-N-Si core into cyclic structure enhances the oxidation potentials of the 'in situ' electrolytes (without any purification) against Mg/Mg2+ compare to the acyclic analogue. Theoretical calculation provides insight into the ionic species present in the electrolyte systems. (C) 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.