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TFPN-Mediated Chemoselective Reduction of Carboxylic Acids to Aldehydes and Primary Alcohols
Dou Zhang1, Qiuyi Zheng1, Jiahui Zhang1
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Pollutant Analysis & Reuse Technology, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hubei Normal University, Huangshi 435002, P. R. China.
Abstract:
A tetrafluorophthalonitrile (TFPN)-based reagent platform has been developed for the chemoselective, one-pot reduction of carboxylic acids to either aldehydes or primary alcohols. Reduction selectivity is precisely controlled by the hydride source: pinacolborane (HBpin) affords aldehydes, while sodium borohydride (NaBH4) delivers primary alcohols. The reaction proceeds rapidly under mild, open-flask conditions at room temperature, with excellent functional-group tolerance. Its practicality and scalability are demonstrated through gram-scale synthesis and late-stage modification of complex bioactive molecules. This provides a versatile, economical, and sustainable alternative to conventional multistep reduction processes.
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