Abstract Vrganotin hydrides selectively reduce the keto function group in α-keto esters such as pyruvates or benzoylformates. Hydrostannation of (-) menthyl benzoylformate with achiral reagents occurs with 5–20% asymmetric induction while the reaction of (−) 2 butyl- diphenyltin hydride with ethyl benzoylformate only proceeds with a very low optical yield.
