Air-initiated hydrosilylation of unactivated alkynes and alkenes and dehalogenation of halohydrocarbons by tris(trimethylsilyl)silane under solvent-free conditions

A highly efficient air-initiated hydrosilylation of unactivated alkynes and alkenes and dehalogenation of halohydrocarbons with tris(trimethylsilyl)silane ((TMS)3SiH) as a reducing agent has been established under solvent-free conditions. These observations demonstrate that the potential and versatility of air to function as a competent initiator for Si–H bond activations. It can rival organic initiators and metal catalysts in its efficiency and is a superior initiating system from economic, environmentally sound and practical perspectives.