A Six-Coordinate Silicon Dihydride Embedded in a Porphyrin: Enhanced Hydride-Donor Properties and the Catalyst-Free Hydrosilylation of CO₂

The catalyst-free hydrosilylation of CO₂ under mild conditions remains limited. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and reactivity of 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrinato(dihydrido)silicon(IV) (1) as a six-coordinate silicon dihydride. The Si-H moiety of 1 reacts with polar double bonds and CO₂ in the absence of a catalyst to afford hydrosilylated products. Combining the hydrosilylation with subsequent transformation furnishes formic acid from CO₂. Computational studies indicate that the hydride-donor properties of 1 are exceptionally high for a neutral silicon hydride, and that the direct hydride transfer from silicon to carbon is a pivotal step in the hydrosilylation of CO₂ with 1.