Direct Synthesis of Amides from Benzonitriles and Benzylic Alcohols via a KOt-Bu-Mediated MPV-type Hydrogen Transfer Process

Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV)-type reduction between benzonitriles and benzylic alcohols under transition metal-free conditions has been demonstrated for the first time. Using simple KOt-Bu as the base, various benzonitriles can be efficiently reduced by benzylic alcohols via hydrogen transfer reduction, and the resultant phenyl imine can react further with benzylic alcohols to give amides as the final product in which both the alcohols and the nitriles are incorporated. Preliminary mechanistic investigations indicated that the reaction may go through multiple MPV-type hydrogen transfer processes.

Automated summary

The Meerwein-Ponndorf-Verley (MPV)-type reduction between benzonitriles and benzylic alcohols under transition metal-free conditions has been demonstrated for the first time. The reaction involves hydrogen transfer reduction and subsequent reactions, resulting in the formation of amides. Preliminary mechanistic investigations suggest the involvement of multiple MPV-type hydrogen transfer processes.