Non-Precious-Metal Catalytic Systems Involving Iron or Cobalt Carboxylates and Alkyl Isocyanides for Hydrosilylation of Alkenes with Hydrosiloxanes

A mixture of an iron or a cobalt carboxylate and an isocyanide ligand catalyzed the hydrosilylation of alkenes with hydrosiloxanes with high efficiency (TON >10³) and high selectivity. The Fe catalyst showed excellent activity for hydrosilylation of styrene derivatives, whereas the Co catalyst was widely effective in reaction of alkenes. Both of them catalyzed the reaction with allylic ethers. Chemical modification and cross-linking of silicones were achieved by choosing the right catalyst and reaction conditions.