The cationic rhodium complex [Rh(cod)2][BF4] effectively catalyses the 1,4-addition of organotrialkoxysilanes to alpha-substituted acrylic esters. The reactions are promoted by heating in an oil-bath or more conveniently in a microwave reactor allowing rapid access to a useful range of functionalised products including 2-alkyl succinates and alpha-amino acid derivatives.