Tandem deuteration/hydrosilylation reactions catalyzed by a rhodium carbene complex under solvent-free conditions

The complex Rh(I(t)Bu)(2)HCl] has been shown to be an active catalyst in the hydrosilylation of carbonyl and imine complexes. This reactivity, combined with the previously reported H/D exchange catalyzed by these complexes allows for a one pot, two step reaction using a single catalyst for both H/D exchange and hydrosilylation. Using triethylsilane, Rh(I(t)Bu)(2)Cl] catalyst, and D(2) gas, deuterated silyl-ethers can be synthesized in an atom-economical, solvent-free reaction.