Divergent reaction pathways of tris(oxazolinyl)borato zinc and magnesium silyl compounds

Abstract

Synthesis and reactivity of monomeric magnesium and zinc silyl compounds To(M)M-Si(SiHMe2)3 and To(M)M-Si(SiMe3)3 are described (To(M) = tris(4,4-dimethyl-2-oxazolinyl)phenylborate). The magnesium compounds react slowly with water and air, while the zinc compounds are inert. With CO2, To(M)Mg-Si(SiHMe2)3 provides To(M)MgO2CSi(SiHMe2)3 through CO2 insertion, whereas To(M)Zn-Si(SiHMe2)3 affords To(M)ZnOCHO.