Authors

Tess Billmire

Senior Project Advisor

Gregory O'Neil

Document Type

Project

Publication Date

Spring 2025

Keywords

discovery, organic synthesis, reaction development, hydrosilylation, oxasilolane, TBAT, proton NMR

Abstract

Alkene hydrosilylation reactions have been performed for over 75 years. However, since 1957 all reported alkene hydrosilylation reactions have utilized metal catalysts. In this essay, I detail how I made the discovery of doing this type of reaction using the non-metal catalyst called TBAT (tetrabutylammonium difluorotriphenylsilicate). While I unfold the discovery I also go into detail on some of the laboratory techniques I use as an organic chemist such as column chromatography and proton NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance). The second half of the piece is dedicated to detailing how I was able to trouble shoot the chemistry when the TBAT started to get exposed to water and the alkenes were reduced.

Department

Chemistry

Type

Text

Rights

Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this document for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author’s written permission.

Language

English

Format

application/pdf

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