A nickel-catalyzed reduction of secondary and tertiary amides provides amines. The reaction transforms various amide substrates, proceeds in the presence of esters and epimerizable stereocenters, and can be used to achieve the reduction of lactams.

Can LiAlH4 reduce nh2?

Exception: LiAlH4 reduces amides to amines. Mechanism depends slightly on whether amide has an N-H or not. Sodium borohydride (NaBH4) is a mild reducing agent. It is only capable of reducing aldehydes and ketones.

Which produces amine on reduction with LiAlH4?

On catalytic reduction or with lithium aluminium hydride (LiAlH4) or with nascent hydrogen, alkyl isocyanide yield 2∘ amine whereas cyanide gives 1∘ amine on reduction.