Reduction of Aldehydes and Ketones with Potassium Borohydride as Reductant

A series of aldehydes and ketones were reduced by potassium borohydride in an ionic liquid/water ([bmim]PF6/H2O) biphasic system to afford corresponding alcohol with high purity in excellent yields. The ionic liquid/water biphasic system could promote the chemoselectivity and the substituents such as nitro group and chlorine remained intact. Aromatic ketones were not as active as aromatic aldhydes and cyclic ketones owing to their higher steric hindrance. The ionic liquid could be recycled and reused. This protocol has notable advantages of no need of phase transfer catalyst and organic solvents, mild conditions, simple operation, short reaction time, ease work-up, high yields and recycling of the ionic liquid.

[bmim]PF6/H2O Biphasic System Promoted Chemoselective Reduction of Aldehydes and Ketones with Potassium Borohydride as Reductant

A series of aldehydes and ketones were reduced by potassium borohydride in an ionic liquid/water ([bmim]PF₆/ H₂O) biphasic system to afford corresponding alcohol with high purity in excellent yields. The ionic liquid/water biphasic system could promote the chemoselectivity and the substituents such as nitro group and chlorine remained intact. Aromatic ketones were not as active as aromatic aldhydes and cyclic ketones owing to their higher steric hindrance. The ionic liquid could be recycled and reused. This protocol has notable advantages of no need of phase transfer catalyst and organic solvents, mild conditions, simple operation, short reaction time, ease work‐up, high yields and recycling of the ionic liquid.