Silver(i)-promoted insertion into X-H (X = Si, Sn, and Ge) bonds with N-nosylhydrazones.

Silver(i)-promoted carbene insertion into X-H (X = Si, Sn, and Ge) bonds has been realized by using unstable diazo compounds, which are generated in situ from N-nosylhydrazones as carbene precursors. The reaction tolerates a wide range of functional groups and delivers a number of valuable silicon-containing compounds in very high yields (up to 96%). Moreover, organostannanes and organogermanes were as well effectively obtained in very good yields under optimal conditions.