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

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(01)81236-9

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.