Reactions of tetracarbonylcobaltate(-I) with chlorosilanes in ether solvents

The reactions of NaCo(CO)₄ with Me_nSiCl_4?n (n = 0–3) in diethylether (Et₂O) and in tetrahydrofuran (THF) have been studied. Three distinct reaction pathways were recognised which depend on the acidity of the chlorosilane and basicity of solvent. Attack at the silicon centre via the Co atom of Co(CO)₄^? leads to formation of a SiCo bond; reaction involving a CO ligand of Co(CO)₄^? gives clusters R₃SiOCCo₃(CO)₉; and chlorosilane induced attack of Co(CO)₄^? on the solvent gives products derived from THF molecules.