Use of indium hydride (Cl2InH) for chemoselective reduction of the carboncarbon double bond in conjugated alkenes

Indium hydride (Cl2InH) generated in situ from a combination of a catalytic amount of indium(III) chloride and sodium borohydride selectively reduces the carboncarbon double bond in conjugated alkenes such as α,α-dicyano olefins, α,β-unsaturated nitriles, cyano esters, cyanophosphonate, diesters and ketones.