Transfer Hydrogenolysis of O‐ and N‐Benzyl Groups in Water with Tetrahydroxydiboron by Using an Amphiphilic Polymer‐Supported Nano‐Palladium Catalyst

Abstract

Debenzylation of O‐ and N‐benzyl groups was achieved under safe and mild conditions by using B2(OH)4 as an alternative to gaseous hydrogen in the presence of an amphiphilic polystyrene–poly(ethylene glycol) resin‐supported nano‐palladium catalyst (ARP‐Pd) in water. Benzyl groups of a variety of benzylic ethers, esters, carbamates, and amines, including benzyl‐protected carbohydrates and amino acids, were reductively removed in high yields. ARP‐Pd was recovered by simple filtration and reused seven times without a significant loss of its catalytic activity.