An efficient partial reduction of α,β-unsaturated esters using DIBAL-H in flow

Article abstract of DOI:10.1002/ejoc.201402675

The partial reduction of α,β-unsaturated esters and benzoate derivatives to form the corresponding aldehydes was achieved using a flow reactor system within 1 s at a high flow rate (18 mL min^-1) under cryogenic conditions (-97°C). Commercially available diisobutylaluminium hydride (DIBAL-H) was used as the reductant. The desired enals and benzaldehyde derivatives, except for 4-methoxycinnamate and 4-methoxybenzoate, were formed selectively and redox economically in moderate to high yields.