LiAlH4 reducción of amides to amines

  
   
 

The amides can be reduced to amines using a hydride source, such as LiAlH4.

Mechanism

  
 
  • The hydride attacks, through a nucleophilic addition, the hydrogen of the amide and releases molecular hydrogen.
  • The oxygen attacks the aluminum and a good leaving group is formed which will be removed.
  • It forms an imine that will be reduced by the aluminum hydride.
  • Finally, the acid in the middle will protonate the intermediate to give rise to the final amine.