Reduction of N,N-Dimethylcarboxamides to Aldehydes by Sodium Hydride–Iodide Composite

A new and concise protocol for selective reduction of N,N-dimethylamides into aldehydes was established using sodium hydride (NaH) in the presence of sodium iodide (NaI) under mild reaction conditions. The present protocol with the NaH-NaI composite allows for reduction of not only aromatic and heteroaromatic but also aliphatic N,N-dimethylamides with wide substituent compatibility. Retention of α-chirality in the reduction of α-enantioriched amides was accomplished. Use of sodium deuteride (NaD) offers a new step-economical alternative to prepare deuterated aldehydes with high deuterium incorporation rate. The NaH-NaI composite exhibits unique chemoselectivity for reduction of N,N-dimethylamides over ketones.