New synthetic strategies for structured silicones using B(C 6F5)3

The dehydrocarbonative condensation of alkoxysilanes + hydrosilanes in the presence of the Lewis acid catalyst B(C6F5)3 (R3SiOR′ + HSiR3 ″ → R 3SiOSiR3 ″ + R ′ H) - described throughout this review as the Piers-Rubinsztajn reaction - provides a new, mild strategy for the controlled synthesis of silicones. In this review we examine the mechanistic parameters that control the reaction, and outline the types of accessible small molecules, linear, …