Recent advances in catalytic hydrosilylation of carbonyl groups mediated by well-defined first-row late transition metals

Hydrosilylation of carbonyl groups represents a useful reaction for the production of silylethers, and a convenient method to reduce carbonyl functionalities when a sequence of hydrosilylation and hydrolysis is performed. This transformation has long relied on the use of noble metal catalysts. However, the limited availability, high price and toxicity of these metals have forced to find sustainable alternatives. In this respect, reactions catalyzed by late first-row 3d metals have attracted increasing attention. In particular, the field of carbonyl hydrosilylation has experienced a tremendous development in the last decade. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the advances made on the field of carbonyl hydrosilylation mediated by well-defined Mn, Fe, Co and Ni complexes during the last 10 years. Special attention is paid to the mechanistic aspects of the catalytic reaction.