Cobalt-catalyzed hydrosilation/hydrogen-transfer cascade reaction: a new route to silyl enol ethers.

Capitalizing on cobalt: A new route to silyl enol ethers employing a Co-catalyzed cascade reaction featuring a tandem hydrosilation/hydrogen-transfer reaction is reported. The low catalyst loading, mild reaction conditions, and unique η(2)-silane resting state showcase the impressive utility of this seldom used transition-metal catalyst in C-H activation reactions (see scheme; VTMS = vinyltrimethylsilane; Cp*  =  1,2,3,4,5-pentamethylcyclopentadiene).