Catalytic synthesis of silyl formates with 1 atm of CO2 and their utilization for synthesis of formyl compounds and formic acid

In the presence of simple Rh2(OAc)4 and K2CO3, the hydrosilylation of CO2 (1 atm) with various hydrosilanes efficiently proceeded to afford the corresponding silyl formates in moderate to high yields (53–90% yields). By using the dimethylphenylsilyl formate produced by the hydrosilylation, formamides, formic acid, and a secondary alcohol (via an aldehyde) could be synthesized by the reaction with various nucleophilic reagents such as amines, aniline, water, and the Grignard reagent.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (94 K)Download as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Hydrosilylation of CO2 (1 atm) with various hydrosilanes by Rh2(OAc)4 and K2CO3. ► Production of formamides by reaction of a silyl formate with amines. ► Production of formic acid by reaction of a silyl formate with water. ► Production of an alcohol by reaction of a silyl formate with the Grignard reagent.