An Efficient method for zinc mediated reduction of norbornyl α diketones in [bmim][BF₄]:H₂O

Efficient reduction of mono- and disubstituted norbornyl α-diketones with zinc in [bmimBF₄]:[H₂O] to afford the corresponding acyloins in excellent yields and diastereoselectivities is described. In case of the monosubstituted norbornyl α-diketones, very high regioselectivities ranging from 90:10 to 100:0, in favor of diastereomer possessing endohydroxyl diagonal to endo-substituent were observed.