Highly efficient synthesis of aldenamines from carboxamides by iridium-catalyzed silane-reduction/dehydration under mild conditions

The combination of IrCl(CO)(PPh(3))(2) with 1,1,3,3-tetramethyldisiloxane or poly(methylhydrosiloxane) (PMHS) is found to be an efficient catalyst system for the preparation of aldenamines from carboxamides; in particular, facile removal of silicone and iridium residues from the product can be achieved by the use of PMHS.