Copper(I) Bromide Promoted Selective Reduction of N-substituted Phthalimides with Zinc

A new selective reduction of N-substituted phthalimides to the corresponding hydroxyl lactams is described. This reduction performed smoothly under mild, concise and easily controllable condition in good yield (up to 97%). The generality of the reduction was also investigated and a wide range of substrates were suitable for this reaction.