Ionic hydrogenation of 1,3-indanedione derivatives

The ionic hydrogenation of 1,3-indanedione and its 2-monosubstituted and 2,2-disubstituted derivatives to indanes was realized with triethylsilane in trifluoroacetic acid. Unsubstituted and 2-monosubstituted 1,3-indanediones undergo catalytic ionic hydrogenation.