Hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones catalyzed by hydrido iron complexes bearing imine ligands

Abstract

Two new hydrido iron complexes (2 and 4) were synthesized by the reactions of (4-methoxyphenyl)phenylketimine ((4-MeOPh)PhC=NH) with Fe(PMe3)4 or FeMe2(PMe3)4. The molecular structures of complexes 2 and 4 were confirmed by X-ray single crystal diffraction. Using hydrido iron complexes (1-4) as catalysts, the hydrosilylations of aldehydes and ketones were investigated. The four complexes were effective catalysts for this reduction reaction. Complex 1 among them is the best catalyst.