The binary hydride, diisobutylaluminum
borohydride [(iBu)2AlBH4],
synthesized from diisobutylaluminum
hydride (DIBAL) and borane dimethyl sulfide (BMS) has shown great
potential in reducing a variety of organic functional groups. This
unique binary hydride, (iBu)2AlBH4, is readily synthesized, versatile, and simple to use. Aldehydes,
ketones, esters, and epoxides are reduced very fast to the corresponding
alcohols in essentially quantitative yields. This binary hydride can
reduce tertiary amides rapidly to the corresponding amines at 25 °C
in an efficient manner. Furthermore, nitriles are converted into the
corresponding amines in essentially quantitative yields. These reactions
occur under ambient conditions and are completed in an hour or less.
The reduction products are isolated through a simple acid–base
extraction and without the use of column chromatography. Further investigation
showed that (iBu)2AlBH4 has
the potential to be a selective hydride donor as shown through a series
of competitive reactions. Similarities and differences between (iBu)2AlBH4, DIBAL, and BMS are discussed.