Dehydrogenative Silylation of Amines and Hydrosilylation of Imines Catalyzed by Ytterbium−Imine Complexes

Dehydrogenative silylation of primary and secondary amines with triphenylsilane was catalyzed by ytterbium−imine complexes, [Yb(η 2 -Ph 2 CNAr)(hmpa) n ], to give aminosilanes in good yields. In the reaction with diphenyl- and phenylsilanes, diaminosilanes were formed as major products. Whereas n - and sec -alkylamines were readily silylated, tert -alkylamines and aromatic amines exhibited lower reactivities. Moreover, hydrosilylation of imines has been achieved by using phenylsilane and the imine complexes (Ar = Ph, C 6 H 4 F-4), giving rise to mono- and diaminosilanes. The two reactions were in agreement as regards the product selectivities and yields.