Transfer Hydrogenation of Imines with Ammonia–Borane: A Concerted Double‐Hydrogen‐Transfer Reaction

Direct transfer hydrogenation of imines was observed with ammonia–borane, which proceeded under mild conditions without the help of a catalyst. The results of deuterium kinetic isotope effects, Hammett correlations, and DFT calculations all support a concerted double-hydrogen-transfer mechanism (see scheme). Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.