User-Friendly Platinum Catalysts for the Highly Stereoselective Hydrosilylation of Alkynes and Alkenes

With a view to addressing the shortcomings of traditional catalysts, a new generation of outstanding N- heterocyclic carbene platinum(0) complexes for the hydrosilylation of unsaturated carbon-carbon bonds is reported. Their discovery and application to the stereoselective addition of various silanes to silylated alkynes, terminal acetylenes, and olefins is presented. Insights into the catalytic cycle and the origin of the stereoselectivity are also discussed