Sonochemical hydrosilylation of 2-substituted cyclohexanones in the presence of Wilkinson complex

The sonochemical hydrosilylation of alkyl substituted cyclohexanones cataly zed by Rh(PPh3)(3)Cl is described. The application of ultrasonic irradiatio n during the reaction highly enhances the reaction rates and produces highe r yields than those obtained in silent reactions. The stereoselectivity of the reaction has not been changed, the isomeric distribution, i.e. the cis/ trans ratio of the 2-substituted cyclohexanols formed, is very dose to thos e obtained in conventional stirred reactions. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.