Conjugate reduction of α,β-unsaturated esters and amides with tributyltin hydride in the presence of magnesium bromide diethyl etherate

We report herein that the conjugate reduction of α,β-unsaturated esters and amides, such as aryl acrylates, pantolactone esters of acrylic acids, diethyl itaconate and N-crotonylcamphorsultam, with tributyltin hydride proceeded in moderate to high yields in the presence of magnesium bromide diethyl etherate. The effect of metal halide enhancing the yields is also described.