The missing link: The presence of two N,P bridges in the ruthenium complexes used as catalysts for the title reaction is essential. Esters that contain isolated CC bonds are reduced to the corresponding unsaturated alcohols in high yields with high chemoselectivity (see example).
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Saudan et al. (2007) studied this question.
Synapse has enriched 4 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: