Selective reduction of carboncarbon double and triple bonds in conjugated olefins mediated by SmI2/H2O/amine in THF

Conjugated double and triple bonds are reduced into alkenes using non-hazardous SmI2/H2O/amine mixtures as reducing agents in THF. Isolated alkenes are not reduced during these reductions. All the reactions studied are quantitative and are completed in less than five minutes.