Catalytic hydrosilylation using an immobilized Co-terpyridine complex activated by inorganic salts and its application in a flow reactor.

The activation of a dibromo Co-terpyridine complex immobilized on a stationary phase (Co(tpy)Br2@SiO2) as a hydrosilylation catalyst was investigated. Inorganic salts that are sparingly soluble in an organic solvent were examined as activators, and K2CO3 was found to show advantages in activator ability, stability, cost, and ease of handling. Catalytic hydrosilylation using Co(tpy)Br2@SiO2 activated by K2CO3 afforded the products in good yield, in both the reactions of styrene with triethoxysilane (92%) and 1-octene with diphenylsilane (88%). Both Co(tpy)Br2@SiO2 and K2CO3 were easily separable from the hydrosilylated product, which contributed to achieving a reusable hydrosilylation system in both the catalyst and activator. Moreover, the Co(tpy)Br2@SiO2/K2CO3 system was found to be applicable in a continuous flow reactor as a catalyst in the stationary phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]