Selective reduction of aldehydes via BINOL–Zr complex

An easily assembled catalyst from (±)-BINOL (1,1′-bi-naphthol) and Zr(OiPr)4·iPrOH selectively reduces aldehydes at room temperature. Ketones remain intact under these conditions. A catalytic amount of BINOL–Zr complex in the presence of 2-propanol also effectively reduces a variety of chiral and achiral aldehydes.