Hydrosilylation reactions catalyzed by rhodium complexes with phosphine ligands functionalized with imidazolium salts

Hydrosilylation reactions of styrene with triethoxysilane catalyzed by rhodium complexes with phosphine ligands functionalized with imidazolium salts are reported. In comparison with Wilkinson's catalyst, Rh(PPh3)(3)Cl, all of the present rhodium complexes with phosphines functionalized with imidazolium salts exhibit higher catalytic activity and selectivity. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.