Effect of Aminoaromatic Acids as Additives on the Activity and Selectivity of the Platinum-catalyzed Hydrosilylation of Alkenes

A series of aromatic acids has been tested as additives for the platinum-catalyzed hydrosilylation of styrene with triethoxysilane. Both excellent conversion of styrene and selectivity in favor of the β-adduct were achieved using aminobenzoic acids as additive. Moreover, the use of 4-aminobenzoic acid led to significantly superior enhancement in both catalytic activity and selectivity among the tested aminobenzoic acids. Indeed, 100% conversion of styrene and 98.4% selectivity in favor of the β-adduct were obtained. Additionally, hydrosilylations of various alkenes with a variety of platinum catalysts have also been tested, and in each case the conversion of substrate and the selectivity of the β-adduct were promoted by using 4-aminobenzoic acid as additive.