Vinyl Silanes as Ethylene Surrogates for Arene Ethylation and Vinylation

Ethylene is an important C₂ feedstock widely used in organic synthesis for ethylation, vinylation, and related transformations. However, its practical use is often restricted by the need for pressurized gas handling and specialized equipment. In this context, vinyl silanes have emerged as attractive, bench-stable surrogates of ethylene owing to their dual reactivity by either generating ethylene in situ or directly serving as vinyl donors. This review highlights recent advances in the use of vinyl silanes for ethylation and vinylation reactions, including hydroarylation, cross-coupling, and C–H functionalization processes. Mechanistic pathways involving Hiyama-type and Heck/desilylation routes are also discussed. Overall, vinyl silanes provide a safe and versatile platform for sustainable ethylene surrogate chemistry.