Improved method for the diimide reduction of multiple bonds on solid-supported substrates

A mild and improved method for reducing multiple bonds on various resins with diimide is described. The simple procedure readily generates diimide from 2-nitrobenzenesulfonohydrazide and triethylamine at room temperature. A number of representative multiple bonds in various steric and electronic environments were examined, including polar double bonds such as carbonyl and azo, for ease and selectivity of reduction. A general trend of reactivity was identified which revealed, inter alia, that terminal olefins, 1,2-disubstituted olefins, electron-poor olefins, and terminal alkynes were the most easily reduced.