Reductive coupling of aromatic aldehydes and ketones in sunlight

Abstract

Sunlight is a cheap, efficient and environmentally friendly natural resource. Reductive coupling of aromatic aldehydes and ketones leading to 1,2-diols has been achieved with high yield in isopropanol in sunlight. The notable advantage of the present method seems to be the negligible formation of side products arising mainly due to reduction of the carbonyls to the corresponding alcohols, Cannizzaro reaction and the formation of olefins.