Phosphinite-iminopyridine iron catalysts for chemoselective alkene hydrosilylation

A series of new pincer iron complexes with electron-donating phosphinite-iminopyridine (PNN) ligands has been prepared and characterized. These iron compounds are efficient and selective catalysts for the anti-Markovnikov alkene hydrosilylation of primary, secondary, and tertiary silanes. More importantly, the system exhibits unprecedented functional group tolerance with reactive groups such as ketones, esters, and amides. Furthermore, the iron-catalyzed alkene hydrosilylation was successfully applied to the synthesis of a valuable insecticide, silafluofen. The electronic properties and structures of the iron complexes have been studied by spectroscopies and computational methods. Overall, the iron catalysts may provide a low-cost and environmentally benign alternative to currently employed precious metal systems for alkene hydrosilylation.