Ketone Hydrosilylation Studies Using a Carbodiphosphorane Catalyst

The objective of this research is to discover an effective, safe, and low-cost catalyst for ketone hydrosilylation reactions, which involve the addition of a silicon–hydrogen bond across a C=O double bond. Improving catalyst efficiency could benefit the organic synthesis industry, as carbonyl hydrosilylation is used industrially in the synthesis of alcohol products. Use of the carbodiphosphorane catalyst as a replacement for toxic heavy-metal-containing catalysts could reduce waste and emissions harmful to the environment, while also providing an alternative means for accomplishing ketone reduction. Using a cyclic carbodiphosphorane catalyst, we have compared catalytic activity toward acetophenone hydrosilylation for a range of 18 silanes, the most effective of which was diphenylsilane. A range of 24 alkyl and aryl ketones have also been investigated. The carbodiphosphorane catalyst was more active in ketone hydrosilylation reactions compared to other nucleophilic organic catalysts tested