A rhodium-catalyzed reductive carbonylative cyclization for the direct synthesis of 3-silyl-1-indanones from readily available aryl alkynes and hydrosilanes is described. This transformation concurrently introduces a silicon moiety and constructs the indanone core under an atmosphere of carbon monoxide, exhibiting high regioselectivity. The reaction features a broad substrate scope across a range of symmetrical and unsymmetrical alkynes as well as diverse hydrosilanes. Preliminary mechanistic studies support a pathway involving hydrosilylation, rate-limiting C-H activation, and carbonylation. This work provides a concise and practical route to valuable organosilicon scaffolds.
Zhu et al. (Wed,) studied this question.