Mechanistic insight into B(CF) catalyzed imine reduction with PhSiH under stoichiometric water conditions.

A DFT and experimental study on the mechanism of B(CF) catalyzed imine reduction is performed using PhSiH as reductant under stoichiometric water conditions. Ingleson's path B is reconfirmed here. And four novel (CF)B-OH induced pathways (paths C2, C3, D2 and D3) entirely different from all the previous mechanisms were determined for the first time.