Advances in Catalytic Hydrosilylation of Internal Alkenes

Abstract

The pursuit of cost-effective catalysts for alkene hydrosilylation has driven extensive research in this field. However, internal alkenes remain a formidable substrate class due to their inherent thermodynamic stability, steric congestion, and poor regiocontrol in the addition reactions. This review summarizes recent advances in the hydrosilylation of internal alkenes, systematically organized by substrate type: ring-strained, heteroatom-substituted, aryl–alkyl substituted, and unactivated dialkyl alkenes. The distinct reactivity patterns and the selectivity control mechanisms for each substrate class are discussed, along with representative applications in natural product synthesis and materials science. Progress, unresolved challenges, and future directions in this vibrant field are presented, with the goal of providing readers with a foundational understanding that guides the rational design of next-generation catalysts for internal alkene hydrosilylation.