Large-Scale Carbonyl Reductions in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Herein we present a review on methods for carbonyl reductions on large scale (≥100 mmol) applied to the synthesis of drug candidates in the pharmaceutical industry. We discuss the most common and reliable methods for the reduction of aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, imides, and acid chlorides. Representative examples illustrate detailed reaction and workup conditions and highlight the advantages and limitations of each reducing agent with special emphasis on safety, cost, and amenability to scale-up.