Abstract
An investigation of the use of Cp2Zr(H)Cl (Schwartz's reagent) to reduce a variety of amides to the corresponding aldehydes under very mild reaction conditions and in high yields is reported. A range of tertiary amides, including Weinreb's amides, can be converted directly to the corresponding aldehydes with remarkable chemoselectivity. Primary and secondary amides proved to be viable substrates for reduction as well, although the yields were somewhat diminished as compared to the corresponding tertiary amides. Results from NMR experiments suggested the presence of a stable, 18-electron zirconacycle intermediate that presumably affords the aldehyde upon water or silica gel workup. A series of competition experiments revealed a preference of the reagent for substrates in which the lone pair of the nitrogen is electron releasing and thus more delocalized across the amide bond by resonance. This trend accounts for the observed excellent selectivity for tertiary amides versus esters. Experiments regarding the solvent dependence of the reaction suggested a kinetic profile similar to that postulated for the hydrozirconation of alkenes and alkynes. Addition of p-anisidine to the reaction intermediate resulted in the formation of the corresponding imine mimicking the addition of water that forms the aldehyde.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.