Catalytic reduction of amides to amines by electrophilic phosphonium cations via FLP hydrosilylation

A catalytic methodology for the conversion of amides to amines is reported. Of the 25 examples described, 14 examples involve the reduction of N-trifluoroacetamides to the corresponding trifluoroethylamines. These reductions are achieved by catalytic hydrosilylation of the amide mediated by an electrophilic phosphonium cation (EPC) catalyst.