Activation of silylphosphines by diethyl azodicarboxylate: novel silylation of alcohols

A novel activation mode of silylphosphines and an application of that to silylation of alcohols were described. Silylphosphines were found to be instantly activated by means of DEAD and PPTS to form reactive silyl cation equivalents. By using the activated species, silylation of alcohols successfully proceeded under mild acidic condition.