Hydrogenation in basic media

Iodo-desoxy derivatives of methylene, benzylidene and isopropylidene compounds have been transformed into their desoxy analogues with Raney nickel and hydrogen in basic media (e.g. hydroxides, methoxides and diethylamine). 0 47,60,81,82 Under similar conditions, l,3 2,4-diben-zylidene-5,6-sorbitoleen has been hydrogenated 8 and 2,4-benzylidene-6-nitro-6-desoxy-D-sorbitol has been converted into the corresponding amine.84 We are not aware of any report in this field of the removal of a benzylidene group by Raney nickel, as is the case with certain sugar derivatives.88... 

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