Borane-Catalyzed Room-Temperature Hydrosilylation of Alkenes/Alkynes on Silicon Nanocrystal Surfaces

Room-temperature borane-catalyzed functionalization of hydride-terminated silicon nanocrystals (H-SiNCs) with alkenes/alkynes is reported. This new methodology affords formation of alkyl and alkynyl surface monolayers of varied chain lengths (i.e., C5-C12). The present study also indicates alkynes react more readily with H-SiNC surfaces than equivalent alkenes. Unlike other toxic transition-metal catalysts, borane or related byproducts can be readily removed from the functionalized SiNCs. The new method affords stable luminescent alkyl/alkenyl-functionalized SiNCs.