Zinc(II)-Catalyzed Chemoselective Reduction of Amides to Amines

Significance

The catalytic reduction of amides to amines is a highly desirable transformation in organic synthesis. For the first time, an efficient ­reduction of tertiary amides with unprecedented chemoselectivity and unique tolerance to functional groups is reported. Amides can be selectively reduced in excellent yields in the presence of ester, nitro, cyano, azo substituents, or even a ­ketone.