AMINOALUMINUM HYDRIDE AS NEW REDUCING AGENTS. I. SELECTIVE REDUCTION OF CARBOXYLIC ACIDS TO ALDEHYDES

Abstract A new method for the preparation of aldehydes from carboxylic acids by use of diaminoaluminum hydride is described. Reducing agents, diaminoaluminum hydrides, were prepared from aluminum hydride and two moles of various secondary amines. It was found that bis(4-methylpiperazinyl)aluminum hydride is the most suitable reducing agent, which reduces carboxylic acids to the corresponding aldehydes at room temperature or under reflux in good yields.