General and practical one-pot synthesis of dihydrobenzosiloles from styrenes.

A one-pot synthesis of dihydrobenzosiloles from styrenes has been developed. The reaction involves the nickel-catalyzed hydrosilylation of styrene with diphenylsilane, followed by the iridium-catalyzed dehydrogenative cyclization. This method is efficient for both electron-rich and -deficient styrenes and exhibits good functional group tolerance, as well as excellent regioselectivity. The forming dihydrobenzosiloles can be efficiently converted into valuable benzosiloles or 2-hydroxyphenethyl alcohols.