Electron paramagnetic resonance study of spin-trapped free radicals in the hydrosilylation of septamethylvinyltrisiloxane using benzophenone as an initiator

Abstract

Electron paramagnetic resonance and ENDOR spectroscopy have been used together, with the spin-trapping method to investigate the benzophenone-catalysed addition of a silicon hydride to an alkene. This process is known as hydrosilylation. The paramagnetic adducts detected were characterised and a mechanism proposed for the reaction which is only 30% efficient.