An Efficient Catalyst Based on Manganese Salen for Hydrosilylation of Carbonyl Compounds

A manganese salen complex is shown to be an effective (pre)catalyst in the hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones. The present system features an earth-abundant and inexpensive base metal, low catalyst loading, and functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies suggest that the reaction likely proceeds through a reduced manganese(III) hydride species that undergoes electrophilic attack by the carbonyl substrates.