Catalytic hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds by hydrido thiophenolato iron(II) complexes

The hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones under mild conditions with hydrido thiophenolato iron(II) complexes [cis-Fe(H)(SAr)(PMe3)4] (1-4) as catalysts is reported using (EtO)3SiH as an efficient reducing agent in the yields up to 95%. Among them complex 1 is the best catalyst. Complex 1 could also be used as catalyst to reduce the α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds selectively to the α,β-unsaturated alcohols in high yields.