Transformation of organic substrates into valued targeted molecules is an interesting and fruitful avenue of investigation. Typically, such transformations are achieved by means of catalysis or stoichiometric reactions. Metal ligand cooperativity represents an important aspect of catalysts design as it plays a fundamental role in determining activity and selectivity. Redox non-innocent ligands represent a ubiquitous class of ligands whereby the ligands participate as an electron sink either in concert or independently from the metal. The reduction of esters is a challenging transformation, and various methodologies such as hydrogenation, hydroboration, and hydrosilylation have been successfully employed to achieve it. In our effort to explore base metal catalysis in hydrofunctionalization chemistry, we have been exploring the utilization of dppBIANFeCl2 (BIAN=1,2-((bis-2,6-diisopropylphenyl)imino)acenaphthene in selective reduction of esters to alcohols via hydrosilylation. Initial attempt to decipher the active catalysts by means of EPR suggests radical dearomatization of the ligand backbone. The results of our catalytic and preliminary mechanistic studies will be presented alongside data found in the literature.

Iron catalyzed hydrosilyation of esters

2019 Spring National Meeting

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