Titanyl Acetylacetonate as an Efficient Catalyst for a Mild and Convenient Reduction of Carbonyl Compounds with NaBH4 under Aprotic Condition

Titanyl acetylacetonate, TiO(acac)2, is used as an efficient catalyst for the reduction of carbonyl compounds with sodium borohydride under aprotic condition. Reduction reactions are performed in CH3CN and THF. The corresponding alcohols are obtained in high to excellent yields and the chemoselective reduction of aldehydes over ketones is achieved successfully.