Thiourea catalysed reduction of α-keto substituted acrylate compounds using Hantzsch ester as a reducing agent in water

Abstract

The first method for the reduction of α-keto substituted acrylate compounds by Hantzsch ester in water under the catalysis of thiourea has been developed. The products were isolated in moderate to high yields (38–95%). These products are important intermediates in the synthesis of a series of natural products and other biologically active molecules.