(BDP)CuH: A Highly Active Reagent for Achiral Conjugate Reductions

Significance

The group of Lipshutz reports herein a novel, significantly improved reagent for achiral conjugate reductions of enones, acrylates, and enenitriles. The reduction can now be performed at substrate/catalyst ratios of up to 10⁴. Inexpensive polymethylhydrosiloxane is used as a stoichiometric reducing agent. A broad spectrum of substrates can be reduced with very good yields. A simple, straightforward preparation of ligand 1 as well as the final reagent solution is also reported.