A simple procedure for selective reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds using Al-NiCl2 system

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(01)89023-7

A combination of aluminium and nickel chloride in THF has been shown to effect the selective reduction of the olefinic double bond of the α-enone system. Isolated double bonds and aliphatic carbonyls remain unaffected under these conditions. However, aromatic aldehydes and ketones are converted to the corresponding hydroxy compounds by this system in good yields.