In situ generated iron porphyrins are applied as homogeneous catalysts in the transfer hydrogenation of α-substituted ketones. Using 2-propanol as hydrogen donor various protected 1, 2-hydroxyketones are reduced to the corresponding mono-substituted 1, 2-diols in good to excellent yield. Under optimized reaction conditions catalyst turnover frequencies up to 2500h− 1 have been achieved.
