DMF/NaOH/H2O: a metal-free system for efficient and chemoselective reduction of α-ketoamides

We have developed a transition metal free method for efficient and chemoselective reduction of CO bonds using DMF as a hydrogen source and solvent. α-Ketoamides bearing various functional groups are smoothly reduced to α-hydroxyamides in high yields with the present DMF/NaOH/H2O reduction system.