Palladium-catalyzed siloxycarbonylation of alkenes to synthesize silyl esters

The use of simple and readily available substrates to synthesize acyl intermediates with stability and reactivity is highly desirable. We have developed a novel and effective method for the synthesis of silyl esters through palladium-catalyzed siloxycarbonylation of alkenes. Chlorosilane and H2O were found as a suitable silicon source for the reaction. Silyl esters were synthesized with high yield and excellent regioselectivity, and they can directly transform into the corresponding carbonyl derivatives. Mechanism studies show that the reaction may proceed through a palladium hydride pathway and via in situ formation of acid chlorides. Synthesis of stable acyl intermediates and their transformation for the synthesis of carbonyl derivatives is highly desirable. We have developed a method for the synthesis of stable acyl intermediates, silyl esters, through siloxycarbonylation.