Low-valent magnesium(i)-catalyzed cyanosilylation of ketones

Abstract

The magnesium(I) complex [(^XylNacnac)Mg]₂ was employed as a highly efficient catalyst for the cyanosilylation of a variety of ketones with trimethylsilyl cyanide under mild conditions. In contrast to the traditional stoichiometric use of magnesium(I) complexes, 1 provides the first example of a truly catalytic application of Mg(I) complexes.