Facile reduction of malonate derivatives using NaBH4/Br2: an efficient route to 1,3-diols

Borane–dimethoxyethane generated from sodium borohydride–bromine mixtures efficiently reduces a wide range of malonate derivatives to the corresponding 1,3-diols. This new reagent system represents a milder alternative to current methods available, providing the requisite 1,3-diols in higher yields over shorter reaction times.