Iron-Catalyzed Homogeneous Hydrosilylation of Ketones and Aldehydes: Advances and Mechanistic Perspective

Abstract

This review is focused on iron-based homogeneous catalytic systems described so far for the reduction of carbonyl compounds (ketones and aldehydes) into alcohols via hydrosilylation. It begins by explaining the basic concepts of the hydrosilylation reaction, addressing its main advantages and procedural differences with other common reduction methods, and highlighting the interest for its use in organic chemistry. Then, the advances in the development of iron-based catalysts, as a more sustainable alternative to the traditional noble-metal catalysts, that have taken place to date are reviewed in depth. The revision of the different types of catalysts is followed by a profound discussion of the mechanistic proposals found in the literature.