Simple Reduction of Various Ketones with Sodium Tetrahydroborate and Alumina in Hexane†
Abstract
A combination of NaBH4 and alumina preloaded with a small amount of water is a highly efficient reducing agent for cycloalkanones, substituted cyclohexanones and unsaturated and aromatic ketones in hexane, affording the corresponding alcohols in excellent yields under mild conditions (20–60°C).