Selective method for reduction of Oximes to amines in the presence of Cu nanoparticle

The selective reduction of oximes with sodium borohydride (NaBH4) in the presence of nano Cu and charcoal was investigated. Cu nanoparticles are widely used as catalysts; efficacious catalyst: copper and copper alloy nanometer feature high efficacy and selectivity, and can be used as catalyst in some reactions. We have shown that NaBH4 in the presence of charcoal is an efficient protocol for the reduction of oximes. Reduction reactions were carried out in EtOH (5 mL) as solvent under reflux condition at 70–80oC. The product amines were obtained in high to excellent yields. The stereo-chemistry of the reduction by using nano Cu is distinctively different from the other methods.