(NHC)CuI (NHC = N-Heterocyclic Carbene) Complexes as Efficient Catalysts for the Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds

The hydrosilylation of various ketones is mediated by an imidazolium salt/Cu(I) salt system or by a well-defined (NHC)CuCl (NHC = N-heterocyclic carbene) catalyst precursor system. Reactions are conducted at room temperature. The synthesis and characterization of well-defined (NHC)CuCl complexes are described.