Abstract: An unprecedented catalyst-free formylation of amines using CO₂ and hydrosilanes was developed. The solvent plays a vital role in promoting the interaction of amines with hydrosilanes and subsequent CO₂ insertion, thus facilitating the simultaneous activation of N–H and Si–H bonds. Based on relevant mechanistic studies, a plausible mechanism involving a silyl carbamate intermediate is proposed.

KeyWords Plus: HETEROCYCLIC CARBENE; ROOM-TEMPERATURE; REDUCTIVE FUNCTIONALIZATION; DIPHOSPHINE COMPLEX; 1 ATM; CO2; TRANSFORMATION; CONVERSION; METHYLATION; EFFICIENT

Published in CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS, 52 (39):6545-6548; 10.1039/c6cc01234e 2016