Magnesium-catalyzed proficient reduction of oximes to amines using ammonium formate

Various aldoximes and ketoximes were selectively reduced to the corresponding amines by catalytic transfer hydrogenation employing low cost magnesium powder and ammonium formate at room temperature. Many other functionalities such as halogens, -OH, -OCH3, -COOH and -CH3 remained unaffected. The hydrogenation is fast, mild, clean, cost effective and high yielding.