Simple Reduction of Hydantoins with Sodium Borohydride

摘要

The reduction of various hydantoins with sodium borohydride gave the corresponding 4-hydroxy- 2-imidazolidinones in high yields. In contrast, reduction employing a boron trifluoride etherate-sodium borohydride system generated 2-imidazolidinones. In both reductions, the reactivity of the hydantoin was dependent on its substituents. The Lewis acid-promoted reactions of a 4-hydroxy-2-imidazolidinone with nucleophiles were also investigated.