Selective Metal-Free Hydrosilylation of CO2 Catalyzed by Triphenylborane in Highly Polar, Aprotic Solvents

Triphenylborane (BPh3) in highly polar, aprotic solvents catalyzes hydrosilylation of CO2 effectively under mild conditions to provide silyl formates with high chemoselectivity (> 95%) and without over-reduction. This system also promotes reductive hydrosilylation of tertiary amides as well as dehydrogenative coupling of silane with alcohols.