Asymmetric Reduction of Prochiral Hydroxy Ketones With a Chiral Reducing Agent Prepared From Tin(ii) Chloride, a Chiral Diamine, and Diisobutylaluminum Hydride

Asymmetric reduction of prochiral α- and β-hydroxy ketones with a reagent, generated from tin(II) chloride, a chiral diamine, and diisobutylaluminum hydride, afforded the corresponding dihydroxy compounds in good chemical and optical yields. Optical yields depended on the nature of the protective groups of hydroxyl function.