Efficient hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds by 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane catalyzed by Au/TiO2

1,1,3,3-Tetramethyldisiloxane (TMDS) is a highly reactive reducing reagent in the Au/TiO₂-catalyzed hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds relative to monohydrosilanes. The reduction of aldehydes or ketones with TMDS can be performed on many occasions at ambient conditions within short reaction times and at low loading levels of gold, whereas typical monohydrosilanes require excess heating and prolonged time for completion. The product yields are excellent, while almost stoichiometric amounts of carbonyl compounds and TMDS can be used. It is postulated that the enhanced reactivity of TMDS is attributed to the formation of a gold dihydride intermediate. This intermediate is also supported by the fact that double hydrosilylation of carbonyl compounds by TMDS is a negligible pathway.