Chemoselective reduction of <i>α</i> -keto aldehydes by rongalite in water: a metal- and hydride-free approach

. $0.03 per gram), operates in an aqueous medium under open-air conditions, and requires no inert atmosphere. The reaction is readily scalable to gram quantities and exhibits excellent chemoselectivity and broad substrate scope, tolerating electron-donating, electron-withdrawing, and halogen substituents, as well as hetero aromatics, delivering the desired products in high yields within short reaction times.