PhMeSiH2 reduces ethyl benzoate in the presence of a Cp2TiMe2 (Cp= η5- cyclopentadienyl) catalyst to give PhMeSi (OEt)(OCH2Ph)(1). Small to moderate amounts of toluene are also produced, depending on the reaction conditions. Under 40 psi of H2 the same reaction gives quantitative reduction of the ester to toluene. PhCHO is reduced, under the same conditions as the ester, to a mixture of PhMeSi (OCH2Ph) 2 and toluene in ...
