Ionic and Organometallic-Catalyzed Organosilane Reductions

The exceptionally useful chemical-reducing properties of organosilicon hydrides have been known for more than half a century. Since the early discovery of these properties, interest in the use of organosilicon hydrides for the reduction of organic functional groups has increased steadily and has led to the development of many techniques for their deployment in chemo-, regio-, and stereoselective transformations in organic synthesis.

Ionic and Organometallic-Catalyzed Organosilane Reductions provides an up-to-date, comprehensive survey of the literature of this rich chemistry as it pertains to organic synthesis. Both ionic and catalyst-mediated reaction types are included, with appropriate reference to reaction mechanisms where they have been elucidated. A wide variety of organic functional group reductions by organosilicon hydrides receive critical comments and evaluation, especially with respect to scope and limitations. A substantial discussion of asymmetric reductions is also included in this book.

The contents of the book are taken from the comprehensive review of the topic contained in the Organic Reactions series and cover the reduction of all organic groups. All known examples are compiled in thirty-four easily scanned, comprehensive tables compiled from 809 original articles. Updated lists comprising 256 additional references for the tables are provided that bring the coverage up to March 2009.

The authors have been, and continue to be, involved in the applications of organosilanes to organic synthesis. Consistent with the goal of Organic Reactions, the content and presentation of this text emphasize the preparative aspects of the reductions focusing on the scope and limitations of the individual transformations along with detailed experimental procedures.

Ionic and Organometallic-Catalyzed Organosilane Reductions is an essential reference book for all synthetic organic chemists working in academic and industrial laboratories.

Gerald L. Larson received his PhD from the University of California, Davis, and became professor of chemistry at the University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras. He has worked at Petrarch Systems and then Gelest. His research interests include the use of organosilanes in synthesis and chromatography and the process development of the preparation of organosilanes and related materials. He has published over 100 papers in the area of organosilicon chemistry.

James L. Fry received his PhD from Michigan State University, was granted emeritus professor status from The University of Toledo in 1999, and retired from Colorado State University in 2002. His research interests have included organometallic chemistry, chiral syntheses, electrochemical processes, kinetic isotope effects, functional group transformation methods using organosilicon hydrides, and surface chemistry.