Copper complex compounds carbonyl, from CuCl

The hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds by EtjSiH catalysed by the copper NHC complexes 65 and 66-67 constitutes a convenient method for the direct synthesis of silyl-protected alcohols (silyl ethers). The catalysts can be generated in situ from the corresponding imidazolium salts, base and CuCl or [Cu(MeCN) ]X", respectively. The catalytic reactions usually occur at room tanperature in THE with very good conversions and exhibit good functional group tolerance. Complex 66, which is more active than 65, allows the reactions to be run under lower silane loadings and is preferred for the hydrosilylation of hindered ketones. The wide scope of application of the copper catalyst [dialkyl-, arylalkyl-ketones, aldehydes (even enoUsable) and esters] is evident from some examples compiled in Table 2.3 [51-53],... 

The aldehyde or ketone can now desorb, leading to the initial copper(I) hydrazide complex 13 which re-enters the catalytic cycle. The replacement of DEAD-H2 12 by DEAD 19 can be easily understood when considering this catalytic cycle. Indeed, several entries to the main catalytic cycle are possible, either via the hydrazino copper species 13 or via the direct formation of the ternary loaded complex 18 from the azo-derivative 19, Phen CuCl 3 and the alcohol 1. The key-role played by the hydrazine or azo compounds can also be readily appreciated when considering the proposed mechanistic rationale. The hydrazide, not only helps in reducing the copper(II) salt to the copper(I) state but, by virtue of its easy passage into the azo derivative, it also acts as a hydrogen acceptor, allowing the efficient oxidation of the alcohol into the carbonyl compound. 

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