Asymmetric induction by chiral silicon groups

The reduction of racemic RPhMeSiCCl2CH3 systems (R = cyclohexyl, isopropyl, t-butyl and 2-mesityl) to the diastereomeric RPhMeSiCHClCH3 with tributyltin hydride was used as a probe into the potential of the RPhMeSi group to induce asymmetry at an α position. Favorable results were obtained for R = mesityl.