Ruthenium carbonyl-catalysed Si–heteroatom X coupling (X = S, O, N)

Ru3(CO)12 has been shown to catalyse the coupling of silanes with thiols, alcohols and amines with turnover number (TON) and turnover frequency (TOF) of up to 200 and 50 h−1 at 80 °C. IR, NMR and mass spectroscopic studies have identified a ruthenium dimer complex, [Ru(CO)4(SiEt3)]2 as a likely resting state of the catalyst. A mechanism involving this complex has been proposed for the silicon–thiol coupling process.

Graphical abstractRu3(CO)12 has been shown to catalyse the coupling of silanes with thiols, alcohols and amines with TON and TOF up to 200 and 50 h−1. A ruthenium dimer [Ru(CO)4(SiEt3)]2 is believed to be a key intermediate in the process.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Si–S, Si–N and Si–O coupling has been catalysed by Ru3(CO)12. ► Ru2(CO)8(SiEt3)2 and H2Ru3(CO)10 have been detected in the catalytic mixture. ► A mechanism involving Ru2(CO)8(SiEt3)2 has been proposed.