Regioselective rhodium-containing catalysts for ring-opening polymerizations and hydrosilylations

Organometallic rhodium complexes are described which are highly efficient initiators for the ring-opening polymerization of expoxides and other heterocyclic compounds. A cocatalyst, consisting of a compound or polymer containing silicon–hydrogen bonds must also be present. These same catalyst–cocatalyst mixtures are also highly active for hydrosilylation reactions. Other complexes bearing phosphine ligands have been discovered, which while active for hydrosilylation, are not catalysts for epoxide polymerizations. Polymer supported rhodium catalysts are also described which permit the synthesis of epoxy-functional silanes in high yields without competing ring-opening polymerization.