Heterobimetallic catalysis: The story of LiAlH4

LiAlH₄ is generally used in excess as a stoichiometric reducing agent for ketone-to-alcohol or imine-to-amine conversions. We found that it can be used in catalytic quantities to in imine hydrogenation under very mild conditions. Both metal atoms play a crucial role in the mechanism.

Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 2018, 57, 7156
LiAlH₄: From Stoichiometric Reduction to Imine Hydrogenation Catalysis
DOI: Angew. Chem. Int. Ed.10.1002/anie.201803804

Chem. Eur. J. 2021, 27, 401
Insights into LiAlH₄ Catalyzed Imine Hydrogenation
https://doi.org/10.1002/chem.202003862