Dual reaction pathway catalysis: base free transfer hydrogenation of aromatic aldehydes by a NiAl LDH catalyst <i>via in situ</i> Ni(0) formation

and Lewis acidic sites. This dual mechanistic pathway results in the dynamic evolution of the catalyst during the reaction. Control and poisoning studies further confirm the pivotal role of basic sites in the initial CTH process. This protocol provides an environmentally friendly and chemoselective method for synthesizing aromatic alcohols, demonstrating exceptional substrate tolerance and advantageous environmental metrics.