Abstract A variety of α-oxygenated esters, such as α-acetoxy-, α-methoxy-, α-OTHP, and α- hydroxy esters were easily reduced at room temperature to give the corresponding saturated esters in good to excellent yields with the aid of an efficient electron transfer system, SmI 2- THF-HMPA. The method was successfully applied to the direct conversion of (R, R)-tartrates to (R)-malates.