Birch Reduction of Arenes Using Sodium Dispersion and DMI under Mild Conditions

An easy-to-handle sodium dispersion in paraffin oil (SD), in combination with inexpensive and environmentally benign 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone (DMI) as an additive enables the Birch-type reduction of a variety of arenes with high yields, selectivity, and tolerance of functionality such as ether, alcohol, amine, amide, and carboxylic acid.

Automated summary

The combination of a sodium dispersion in paraffin oil and 1,3-dimethyl-2-imidazolidinone enables the Birch-type reduction of a variety of arenes with high yields, selectivity, and tolerance of functionality.