Low-valent niobium-catalyzed reduction of α,α,α-trifluorotoluenes

In the presence of 5 mol % of niobium(V) chloride, alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluorotoluene derivatives were reduced with lithium aluminum hydride to give toluene derivatives in good yields. Stepwise, partial reduction of bis(trifluoromethyl)benzene derivative was also demonstrated.