Boron-Catalyzed Silylative Reduction of Quinolines: Selective sp(3) C-Si Bond Formation

Abstract

A silylative reduction of quinolines to synthetically versatile tetrahydroquinoline molecules involving the formation of a C(sp(3)-Si bond exclusively beta to nitrogen is described. Triarylborane is a highly efficient catalyst (up to 1000 turnovers), and silanes serve as both a silyl source and a reducing reagent. The present procedure is convenient to perform even on a large scale with excellent stereoselectivity. Mechanistic studies revealed that the formation of a 1,4-addition adduct is rate-limiting while the subsequent C(sp(3-)Si bond-forming step from the 1,4-adduct is facile.