Cluster Catalysis of Olefin Hydrosilylation and Isomerization Thermal Reaction Using Co4(Co)10(PPh)2

The cobalt cluster [Co4(C0)10(PPh)2], 1/~, has been evaluated as a catalyst for 1-octene thermal hydrosilylation and isomerization reactions. The kinetics indicates that the hydrosilylation reaction occurs via cluster catalysis at temperatures ranging from 50-70°c. The 1 - octene isomerization was selective to trans-2-octene only. The kinetics indicates that at 50°c or lower isomerization reaction occurs via cluster catalysis whereas at 70°c or higher catalysis by lower nuclearity species is involved. The effects of solvent silane temperature and catalyst and reactant concentrations on the rates of hydrosilylation and isomerization reactions have been investigated. Plausible mechanisms based on experimental data have been proposed.