Efficient Protosilylation of Unsaturated Compounds with Silylboronates over a Heterogeneous Cu3N Nanocube Catalyst

Abstract

Copper-catalyzed protosilylation of unsaturated compounds with silylboronates has attracted attention for the production of organosilanes; however, the use of organic ligands or bases is inevitable. Herein, we report a heterogeneous catalytic system for the protosilylation of unsaturated compounds with silylboronates under mild and additive-free conditions over copper nitride nanocubes (Cu3N NCs). This method can be applied to various substrates (e.g., alkynes, alkenes, and imines) to afford the corresponding organosilicon compounds. The Cu3N NC catalyst could be easily recovered and reused several times. Thus, the active and reusable Cu3N NC catalyst offers a green and sustainable method for efficient organosilane production.