Reduction of α,β-Unsaturated Carbonyl Compounds to the Saturated Alcohols Using Hydridocarbonyliron Complexes

Abstract
Tetracarbonylhydridoferrate was found to be effective for the selective reduction of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to the corresponding saturated alcohols. The reactions proceeded stereospecifically and (−)- and (+)-neodihydrocarveol were obtained exclusively from (+)- and (−)-carvone respectively. The reaction mechanism is briefly discussed.