Reaction of Lithium (2,3-Dimethyl-2-butyl)-t-butoxyborohydride with Selected Organic Compounds Containing Representative Functional Groups

The general reducing charagteristics of a newly synthesized reducing agent, lithium(2.3-dimethyl-2-butyl)-${\iota}$-butoxyborohydride (Li $Thx, 1), in tetrahydrofuran (THF) toward selected organic compounds containing representative fundtional groups under practical has been examined. The reagent revealed an interesting and unique reducing characteristics. Especially, the stereoselectivity in the reduction of cyclic ketones was extraordinary. Thus, the introduction of bulky alkyl and alkoxy groups into the parent borohydride affonds a high stereoselectivity. In general, the reducing power of the reagent is somewhere between the dialiylborohydride and the parent borohydride. This permits the reagent to be a reagent of choice for selecitive reduction of organic compounds with an improved selectivity.