Synthesis of hydrosilanes via Lewis-base-catalysed reduction of alkoxy silanes with NaBH4.

Hydrosilanes were synthesized by reduction of alkoxy silanes with BH3 in the presence of hexamethylphosphoric triamide (HMPA) as a Lewis-base catalyst. The reaction was also achieved using an inexpensive and easily handled hydride source NaBH4, which reacted with EtBr as a sacrificial reagent to form BH3in situ.