Platinum-complex-catalyzed double silylation of ethylene and norbornene with disilanes

Double silylation of ethylene with disilanes was found to proceed in the presence of platinum phosphine complexes to give 1,2-bis(silyl)ethanes. The reactivity was enhanced by electronegative and sterically less demanding substituents on the silicon atom. The reaction of norbornene suggested cis addition of disilanes to the C=C bond.