Reduction of N-allylamides by LiAlH4: unexpected attack of the double bond with mechanistic studies of product and byproduct formation.

Abstract

The reduction of secondary allyl amides with LiAlH4 can lead to a concomitant reduction of the double bond. Previously, an excess of LiAlH4 in hazardous solvents was used for the reduction. This work discusses optimized reaction conditions in tBuOMe as a safe solvent, with only a 1.5-fold excess of LiAlH4, without reduction of the double bond in most cases. (1)H and (2)D NMR spectroscopic studies give evidence for the mechanism of the reduction of the amide as well as the double bond: Amide reduction generally precedes double bond reduction. Sterically hindered allylamides are an exception. They are reduced considerably more slowly at higher temperatures, and double bond reduction is observed before amide reduction has gone to completion.