Olefin hydrosilation catalyzed by zirconocene complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0022-328X(91)80183-K

The hydrosilation of olefins such as styrene 1-hexene, and 2-pentene with diphenylsilane can be carried out with catalysts generated from zirconocene dichloride and two equivalents of butyllithium.Complete regioselectivity is observed as only terminal organosilicon products are produced (ca. 90percent).In the case of styrene, three major products are formed: diphenylphenethylsilane (77percent), trans-1-diphenylsilyl-2-phenylethene (16percent), and ethylbenzene (7percent).The product distribution was found to be dependent on reagent concentrations: reactions run with excess diphenylsilane favored diphenylphenethylsilane; excess styrene favored trans-1- diphenylsilyl-2-phenylethene.Extensive H/D exchange is observed in the hydrosilation of styrene with Ph2SiD2.