Synthesis of an [(NHC)2 Pd(SiMe3 )2 ] Complex and Catalytic cis-Bis(silyl)ations of Alkynes with Unactivated Disilanes

The novel complex cis-[(ITMe)2 Pd(SiMe3 )2 (ITMe=1,3,4,5-tetramethylimidazol-2-ylidene) has been synthesized by mild oxidative cleavage of Me3 SiSiMe3 using [(ITMe)2 Pd(0) ]. The use of this complex as precatalyst for the cis-bis(silyl)ation of alkynes using unactivated disilanes is reported.