Xphos ligand and platinum catalysts: A versatile catalyst for the synthesis of functionalized β-(E)-vinylsilanes from terminal alkynes

Hydrosilylation of functionalized terminal arylalkynes with a variety of silanes catalyzed by PtCl2 or PtO2 in the presence of the air-stable and bulky Xphos ligand was investigated. Regardless of the electronic nature (electron withdrawing or donating group) and the position (o, m, p) of the substituents on the aromatic ring, a single β-(E)-styrylsilanes was obtained in good to excellent yields. The regioselectivity of the H-Si bond addition was found to be governed by steric effects induced by the bulky Xphos ligand. A dramatic regioselectivity was also observed when functionalized terminal aliphatic alkynes were employed as a substrate and in these cases regioisomeric β-(E)-vinylsilanes were generated with excellent selectivity.