Convenient methods for the reduction of amides, nitriles, carboxylic esters, acids and hydroboration of alkenes using NaBH₄/I₂system

Abstract

Reaction of amides with NaBH₄-I₂ system in THF gives the corresponding amines in 70–76% yields. Reduction of nitriles yields the corresponding amines in 70–75% yields. The I₂/NaBH₄ system is useful in the hydrocarboration of olefins and the corresponding alcohols are obtained in 78–92% yields after H₂O₂/OH^- oxidation. The reagent system is also useful for the reduction of carboxylic esters and acids to the corresponding alcohols in 60-90% yields.