Chemoselective Reduction of Azlactones Using Schwartz's Reagent

Highly chemoselective addition of Schwartz's reagent to widely available azlactones is described. This method allows the preparation of challenged functionalized alpha-amino aldehydes, in good to high isolated yields at room temperature, after only 2 min reaction. The presence of sensitive functionalities or electronic factors does not compromise the potential of the method. The use of an excess of the reducing reagent gave a very functionalized allylic alcohol derivative in 86% yield.