Harnessing the reactivity of poly(methylhydrosiloxane) for the reduction and cyclization of biomass to high-value products

Abstract

Poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) has been examined for its ability to reduce and subsequently cyclize carbohydrate substrates using catalytic tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane (BCF). The work herein is the first reported example of the direct conversion of monosaccharides to 1,4-anhydro and 2,5-anhydro products utilizing a hydrosiloxane reducing agent. PMHS is produced from waste products of the silicone industry, making it a green alternative to traditional hydrosilane reducing agents. This work thus contributes to the goal of utilizing renewable feedstocks in the production of fine-chemicals.