Solvolytic cleavage of alkenylpentafluorosilicates catalyzed by copper(II) acetate. A stereoselective synthesis of (E)-alkenyl ethers from alkynes

(E)-Alkenylpentafluorosilicates, obtainable from acetylenes via hydrosilylation-silicate formation, react with alcohols in the presence of a catalytic amount of copper(II) acetate under an atmosphere of air (oxygen) at room temperature to form (E)-alkenyl ethers stereoselectively in satisfactory yields. Similar reaction with water gives aldehydes.