Reduction of Δ²-Isoxazolines to β-Hydroxy Ketones with Iron and Ammonium Chloride as Reducing Agent

A detailed study of a procedure for the selective reduction of Δ²-isoxazolines to the corresponding β-hydroxy ketones is reported. The use of iron and ammonium chloride as the reducing agent in the presence of water results in a facile and chemoselective protocol for the preparation of β-hydroxy ketones, including the conjugated β-hydroxy ketones.