H2 Activation by Non-Transition-Metal Systems: Hydrogenation of Aldimines and Ketimines with LiN(SiMe3 )2.

In recent years, H2 activation at non-transition-metal centers has met with increasing attention. Here, a system in which H2 is activated and transferred to aldimines and ketimines using substoichiometric amounts of lithium bis(trimethylsilyl)amide is reported. Notably, the reaction tolerates the presence of acidic protons in the α-position. Mechanistic investigations indicated that the reaction proceeds via a lithium hydride intermediate as the actual reductant.