LAUSR

Developing efficient strategies for Markovnikov hydrosilylation of alkynes is still an important goal. The steric and electronic properties of hydrosilanes are key factors in controlling selectivity in these reactions. Here by using a trimethylsilyl-protected trihydroxysilane, we report a mild, efficient strategy for Markovnikov hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes with the simple catalyst [Ir(μ-Cl)(cod)]2. A variety of terminal alkynes are hydrosilylated efficiently with outstanding α-regioselectivity. This protocol is successfully utilized in the late-stage hydrosilylation of derivatives of various bio-relevant molecules. The residual silyl group, -Si(OSiMe3)3, can participate in organic transformations directly, or be converted into other useful silyl groups. Numerous methods for transition metal-catalysed hydrosilylation exist but iridium catalysis offers attractive advantages. Here the authors describe a broadly-applicable method for the Markovnikov hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes using a commercial iridium catalyst.