Chemoselective deoxygenation of ether-substituted alcohols and carbonyl compounds by B(C6F5)3-catalyzed reduction with (HMe2SiCH2)2

Abstract

B(C₆F₅)₃-catalyzed deoxygenation of ether-substituted alcohols and carbonyl compounds has been developed using (HMe₂SiCH₂)₂ as the reductant. This unique reagent shows distinct superiority over traditional one silicon-centered hydrosilanes, giving the corresponding alkanes in high yields with good tolerance of ethers, aryl halides and alkenes. The control experiments suggest that (HMe₂SiCH₂)₂ might facilitate the approach in an intramolecular Si/O activation manner.