NaOH‐Promoted Hydrogen Transfer: Does NaOH or Traces of Transition Metals Catalyze the Reaction?

Abstract NaOH is revealed as an excellent catalyst for the hydrogen transfer of a wide range of aromatic and aliphatic ketones, which can be converted in high yields into the corresponding alcohols. The method is simple, cheap, uses a nontoxic and easy‐to‐handle catalyst, and does not require strictly anhydrous reagents, an inert atmosphere, transition metals, or any additional ligands. The pathway of this reaction is still debatable: is it a Meerwein–Ponndorf–Verley‐like process or are traces of transition metals present in commercial NaOH responsible for the activity? Possible mechanisms of this surprising reaction are discussed.