Highly efficient low-valence tungsten-catalyzed deoxygenative reduction of tertiary amides to amines with pinacolborane†

Abstract

A highly efficient low-valence tungsten-catalyzed deoxygenative reduction of tertiary amides to amines with pinacolborane (HBPin) is developed. This protocol uses commercially available W(CO)₆ as a catalyst in a solution of hexane under the irradiation of visible light without other additives, and the TON is up to 2000.