The reaction of silicon atom with carbonyl has recently been investigated by density functional calculations. A few relatively stable silicon carbonyl compounds have been found. In this Letter, the reactivity of silicon tetracarbortyl with ethylene has been investigated by a density functional approach. The calculations predict this carbonylation procedure as an alternative to the use of highly toxic phosgene commonly required in addition reactions of carbonyl to unsaturated compounds. (c) 2005 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.