One-step conversion to tertiary amines: InBr3/Et3SiH-mediated reductive deoxygenation of tertiary amides

We have developed a simple and practical procedure for a direct reductive conversion from a variety of tertiary amides to the corresponding tertiary amines using an InBr3/Et3SiH reducing system. This reducing system can be applied to the reduction of a secondary amide and provides a more efficient alternative to conventional methods that use aluminum and boron hydrides.