A mild synthesis of unsymmetrical bisalkoxysilanes through catalyzed alcoholysis of hydridosilanes containing C-C multiple bonds and aryl halides.

The synthesis of unsymmetrical bisalkoxysilanes containing unsaturated C-C bonds and alkyl and aryl bromides has been developed. This method is a modification of our previously reported two-step procedure that utilizes readily available catalysts (rhodium acetate dimer and manganese pentacarbonyl bromide) under mild neutral aprotic conditions. Good to moderate yields of the products were obtained in a short period. In this two-step synthesis, unsymmetrical bisalkoxysilanes with groups that can be further functionalized can be prepared effectively without the need to isolate the intermediates.