Catalytic α‐Alkylation/Reduction of Ketones with Primary Alcohols to Furnish Secondary Alcohols

The formation of secondary alcohol products via a tandem α-alkylation/transfer hydrogenation of ketones with primary alcohols is a little explored reaction with unrealized potential for green synthesis. This review covers the current literature in the field, including asymmetric versions of the reaction, and outlines future possibilities and challenges for the methodology. 1 Introduction 2 Formation of Racemic Alcohols 3 Formation of Enantiomerically Enriched Alcohols 4 Conclusions