REDUCTIVE ELECTROCHEMICAL SILYLATION OF UNSATURATED NITROGEN FUNCTIONALITIES - A SIMPLE AND EFFICIENT SYNTHESIS OF PRECURSORS OF BIS(TRIMETHYLSILYL)METHYLAMINE

Synthesis of the title compound, 1, via the electroreductive silylatio n of a series of unsaturated nitrogen derivatives, i.e., trialkylsilyl cyanides, dimethylcyanamide, tert-butyl isocyanide bis(trimethylsilyl )carbodiimide, and trimethylsilyl isocyanate, is described in this pap er. This process involves the use of an undivided cell, a sacrificial anode, and a constant current density. It gives yields comparable with those obtained in the previously described chemical route and appears to be safer and more economical.