An efficient catalyst based on manganese salen for hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds

Abstract

A manganese salen complex is shown to be an effective (pre)catalyst in the hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones. The present system features an earth-abundant and inexpensive base metal, low catalyst loading, and functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction likely proceeds through a reduced manganese(III) hydride species that undergoes electrophilic attack by the carbonyl substrates. © 2013 American Chemical Society.