Exploring the combination of continuous-flow processes
with the boron Lewis acid catalyzed hydrosilylation of aldehydes and
ketones has delivered a robust and generally applicable reaction
protocol. Notably this approach permits ready access to high
temperatures and pressures and thus allows improved reactivity of
substrates that were previously recalcitrant under the traditional
approach. Efforts to quench the output from the flow reactor with water
showed surprising tolerance leading to the application of continuousflow systems in a multistep imine formation/hydrosilylation processes
to generate the corresponding secondary amines from their aldehyde
and aniline precursors