Switch in Stereoselectivity Caused by the Isocyanide Structure in the Rhodium-Catalyzed Silylimination of Alkynes

The reaction of terminal alkynes with hydrosilanes and tert-alkyl isocyanides in the presence of Rh(4)(CO)(12) gives (Z)-β-silyl-α,β-unsaturated imines in good yields. On the other hand, the use of aryl isocyanides in place of tert-alkyl isocyanides leads to the formation of E isomers.