Introducing the Catalytic Amination of Silanes via Nitrene Insertion

J Am Chem Soc. 2022 Jun 15;144(23):10608-10614. doi: 10.1021/jacs.2c03739. Epub 2022 Jun 1.

Abstract

The direct functionalization of Si-H bonds by the nitrene insertion methodology is described. A copper(I) complex bearing a trispyrazolylborate ligand catalyzes the transfer of a nitrene group from PhI═NTs to the Si-H bond of silanes, disilanes, and siloxanes, leading to the exclusive formation of Si-NH moieties in the first example of this transformation. The process tolerates other functionalities in the substrate such as several C-H bonds and alkyne and alkene moieties directly bonded to the silicon center. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations provide a mechanistic interpretation consisting of a Si-H homolytic cleavage and subsequent rebound to the Si-centered radical.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Amination
  • Catalysis
  • Imines* / chemistry
  • Silanes* / chemistry

Substances

  • Imines
  • Silanes
  • phenylnitrene