Silylium Ion Promoted Reduction of Imines with Hydrosilanes

The silylium ion promoted reduction of imines yielding the corresponding amines is reported. Both <i>tert</i>-butylferrocenylmethylsilane and triethylsilane are efficient hydride donors for the reduction of intermediate silyliminium ions, thereby regenerating the catalytically active silylium ion and closing the catalytic cycle