On the mechanism derived from kinetic solvent effects of Grignard reactions with silanes

In this communication we present the results of initial kinetic studies in which we have established that alkoxysilanes and chlorosilanes react with Grignard reagents in entirely different ways. The Grignard reaction with alkoxysilanes consists of replacement of a donor molecule at the magnesium centre by silane, followed by a subsequent rearrangement of the complex to the products. Chlorosilanes react without solvent molecule replacement.