Nickel(II)-dipyridylphosphine-catalyzed enantioselective hydrosilylation of ketones in air.

Out of thin air: Catalytic amounts of nickel(II) salt and non-racemic dipyridylphosphine ligand, as well as the stoichiometric hydride source PhSiH(3), formed an effective catalyst system for the Ni(II)-catalyzed asymmetric hydrosilylation of a diverse range of electron-deficient aryl alkyl ketones with enantioselectivities up to 90% ee. The practical potential of the protocol was evinced by its good air-stability.