New method for synthesis of aldehydes from esters by sodium diisobutyl-t-butoxyaluminum hydride

A new reducing agent, sodium diisobutyl-t-butoxyaluminum hydride (SDBBA), easily prepared by addition of sodium t-butoxide to DIBALH in THF at 0 degrees C or room temperature, readily reacts with representative esters to give the corresponding aldehydes in very good yields under mild conditions (0 degrees C).