B(C6F5)3-Catalyzed Diastereoselective Formal (4 + 1)-Cycloaddition of Vinylcyclopropanes and Et2SiH2.

A formal (4 + 1)-cycloaddition of vinylcyclopropanes and Et2SiH2 to afford 3,4-disubstituted silolanes is reported. The reaction sequence commences with the known B(C6F5)3-catalyzed alkene hydrosilylation with dihydrosilanes. Cleavage of the remaining Si-H bond in the hydrosilylation product assisted by B(C6F5)3 leads to formation of a cyclopropane-stabilized silylium ion. The activated cyclopropane ring is then opened by the in situ-generated borohydride accompanied by ring closure to the silolane. The diastereoselectivity is rationalized by a mechanistic model.