Two-Chamber-Enabled Hydrogenation Reactions Using Al‑H2O/NaOH: Access to Pharmaceuticals

In this study, an efficient method for hydrogenation reactions has been reported in a short reaction time using a two-chamber reactor. This process involves the ex situ generation of H2 gas using aluminum-water in the presence of NaOH. This technique was applied to reduce various functional groups, including carbonyl, nitro, alkene, alkyne, and azide. The method is also utilized for the chemoselective reduction of the double bonds in α, β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds. The potential of the technique has been demonstrated through the quick delivery of several key starting materials and marketed drugs. Additionally, the method was further extended to isotope labeling using D2O. The entire process is safe and operated in standard fume hood settings, ensuring practicality and convenience for researchers in the field of organic synthesis.