Ph3P═O-Catalyzed Reductive Deoxygenation of Alcohols

Reductive deoxygenation of alcohols is particularly challenging because of the high bond dissociation energy of the C-OH bond and the poor leaving ability of the hydroxyl group. Herein we describe a Ph₃P═O-catalyzed reductive deoxygenation of benzyl alcohols with PhSiH₃ under an air atmosphere within 30 min of reaction time. The use of catalytic loading of Ph₃P═O enhances the practicality of this protocol.