Hydrosilylation catalysed by a rhodium complex in a supercritical CO2/ionic liquid system.

The hydrosilylation of alkenes in a supercritical CO2(scCO2)/ionic liquid (IL) system was investigated. Rh(PPh3)3Cl exhibited excellent catalytic activity and selectivity. KOtBu was used as an additive, and no hydrogenation by-product (alkane) was detected in the scCO2/IL system. During hydrosilylation in the scCO2/IL system, the reactants were possibly transferred into the IL phase by scCO2, in which the catalyst was dissolved. The products can be flushed with scCO2after the reaction and the catalyst/IL system reused. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]