Nickel-Catalyzed Reductive Deoxygenation of Diverse C–O Bond-Bearing Functional Groups

We report a catalytic method for the direct deoxygenation of various C–O bond-containing functional groups. Using a Ni(II) pre-catalyst and silane reducing agent, alcohols, epoxides, and ethers are reduced to the corresponding alkane. Unsaturated species including aldehydes and ketones are also deoxygenated via initial formation of an intermediate silylated alcohol. The reaction is chemoselective for C(sp3)–O bonds, leaving amines, anilines, aryl ethers, alkenes, and nitrogen-containing heterocycles untouched. Applications toward catalytic deuteration, benzyl ether deprotection, and the valorization of biomass-derived feedstocks demonstrate some of the practical aspects of this methodology.