A General, Practical Triethylborane‐Catalyzed Reduction of Carbonyl Functions to Alcohols. Issue 42 (31st August 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Peng, Dongjie; Zhang, Mintao; Huang, Zheng
• Is Part Of: Chemistry. Volume 21:Issue 42(2015)
• Page Start: 14737
• Page End: 14741
• Publication Date: 2015-08-31
• Subjects: Chemistry -- Periodicals; 540
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201502942
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0947-6539

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" xml:lang="en"> <title>Abstract</title> <p>A combination of the abundant and low‐cost triethylborane and sodium alkoxide generates a highly efficient catalyst for reduction of esters, as well as ketones and aldehydes, to alcohols using an inexpensive hydrosilane under mild conditions. The catalyst system exhibits excellent chemoselectivity and a high level of functional group tolerance. Mechanistic studies revealed a resting state of sodium triethylalkoxylborate that is the product of the reaction of BEt₃ with sodium alkoxide. This borate species reacts with hydrosilane to form NaBEt₃H, which rapidly reduces esters.</p> </abstract>