Conversion of alkanes to linear alkylsilanes using an iridium iron catalysed tandem dehydrogenation isomerization hydrosilylation.
The conversion of inexpensive, saturated hydrocarbon feedstocks into value added speciality chemicals using regiospecific, catalytic functionalization of alkanes is a major goal of organometallic chemistry. Linear alkylsilanes represent one such speciality chemical they have a wide range of applications, including release coatings, silicone rubbers and moulding products. Direct, selective, functionalization of alkanes at primary C H bonds is difficult and, to date, methods for catalytically converting alkanes into linear alkylsilanes are unknown. Here, we report a well defined, dual catalyst system for one pot, two step alkane silylations. The system comprises a pincer ligated Ir catalyst for alkane dehydrogenation and an Fe catalyst that effects a subsequent tandem olefin isomerization hydrosilylation. This method exhibits exclusive regioselectivity for the production of terminally functionalized alkylsilanes. This dual catalyst strategy has also been applied to regioselective alkane borylations to form linear alkylboronate esters.
Nature chemistry