Reduction of 1,2-diketones with titanium tetraiodide:: a simple approach to α-hydroxy ketones

1,2-Diketones are readily reduced with titanium tetraiodide to give alpha-hydroxy ketones in good to excellent yields. Regioselectivity on the reduction of unsymmetrical substrates is also discussed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.