HOMOGENEOUS CATALYSIS .7. CATALYSIS OF ISOPRENE HYDROSILYATION USING METAL ATOMS

The catalysis of isoprene hydrosilylation using transition-metal atoms has been investigated. Hydrosilylation by co-condensation of nickel, cobalt, or iron vapour at -196°C with isoprene and triethoxysilane proceeded both regio- and stereo-selectively to afford (Z)-1-triethoxysilyl-2-methyl-2-butene. Nickel, in particular, was a very active catalyst, giving quantitative yields below 0°C. Other first-row transition metals did not cause hydrosilylation, either alone, or in the presence of a co-catalyst, [Et2AlCl]2. © 1979.