Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds to Their Corresponding Alcohols by (Nicotine)(tetrahydroborato)zinc Complex as a New Stable and Efficient Reducing Agent

Abstract

(Nicotine)(tetrahydroborato)zinc complex, [Zn(BH4)2(nic)], as a stable yellow solid, was prepared quantitatively by complexation of an equimolar amounts of zinc tetrahydroborate and Nicotine at room temperature. This reagent can easily reduce variety of carbonyl compounds such as aldehydes, ketones, acyloins and α-diketones to their corresponding alcohols in good to excellent yields. Reduction reactions were performed in CH3CN at room temperature.