Raney Nickel–Catalyzed Hydrogenation of Unsaturated Carboxylic Acids with Sodium Borohydride in Water

Abstract

A mild, selective, and green method for the reduction of unsaturated carboxylic acids with sodium borohydride–Raney nickel (W6) system in water is reported. This method is practical and safe and avoids use of organic solvents.

GRAPHICAL ABSTRACT

Keywords:

• Reduction
• sodium borohydride
• unsaturated carboxylic acids
• water

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The authors thank B. G. Shivananda, principal, Al-Ameen College of Pharmacy and Management, Visveswarapura Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Bangalore, for providing facilities and constant support. This work was also generously supported by Anjan Roy, managing director, R L Fine Chem, Bangalore, India. Also we thank K. R. Prabhu, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India for useful discussion.

Notes

^a Isolated pure yield based on starting material.