A novel reaction of a, β-unsaturated esters and ketones with lithium aluminum hydride in dry tetrahydrofuran solution at 0℃ affords, in addition to saturated and unsaturated alcohols, the corresponding 1,3-diols in moderate yield. The utility of the transformation is available for staring materials. The synthetic routes are facile and the reactions can be performed on molar scales. Direct application can be expected in the synthesis of the natural products containing 1,3-diol structural unit.

Key words: CARBONYL COMPOUNDS, ALUMINIUM LITHIUM HYD, REDUCTION, TETRAHYDROFURAN