Me3 Si-SiMe2 [oCON(iPr)2 -C6 H4 ]: An Unsymmetrical Disilane Reagent for Regio- and Stereoselective Bis-Silylation of Alkynes.

The air-stable unsymmetrical disilane Me3 Si-SiMe2 [oCON(iPr)2 C6 H4 ] has been developed for bis-silylation of alkynes. This reagent tolerates a range of functional groups, providing Z-vinyl disilanes in high yields. It is proposed that the phenyl-ring-tethered amide group directs oxidative addition of Pd0 into the Si-Si bond, which might facilitate formation of a six-membered Pd cycle, generating products with good to excellent regioselectivity.