Progress in Wolff–Kishner reduction: developments toward milder and more efficient conditions
- 1Manipal Institute of Technology, Manipal Academy of Higher Education Manipal India
Abstract
For over a century, the Wolff–Kishner reduction has been a cornerstone of organic synthesis, serving as a primary strategy for the selective deoxygenation of carbonyl groups into their corresponding methylene analogues. While classical protocols and their subsequent modifications are simple and broadly applicable, they are frequently limited by harsh reaction conditions, poor functional group tolerance, and substrate sensitivity, thus giving rise to alternative approaches of higher efficiency. This review provides a survey of the evolution of the Wolff–Kishner reduction from early modifications up to the most recent trends, which include metal catalysis, continuous flow techniques, microwave-induced methods, and solar-driven activation. In addition, mechanistic considerations regarding the decomposition of hydrazones and carbanion formation are also presented. Although significant steps towards the improvement of deoxygenation processes have been accomplished, further research is required due to the existing deficiencies in substrate compatibility, reagent demand, and pharmaceutical applications, outlining a distinct path forward for upcoming scientific investigations.
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BibTeX
@article{d2026progress,
title = {{Progress in Wolff–Kishner reduction: developments toward milder and more efficient conditions}},
author = {Charan D. C. and Nitinkumar S. Shetty},
journal = {RSC Advances},
year = {2026},
month = nov,
doi = {10.1039/d6ra07179a},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1039/d6ra07179a},
note = {CC BY 3.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Progress in Wolff–Kishner reduction: developments toward milder and more efficient conditions
AU - Charan D. C.
AU - Nitinkumar S. Shetty
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/11/04
JO - RSC Advances
DO - 10.1039/d6ra07179a
UR - https://doi.org/10.1039/d6ra07179a
AB - For over a century, the Wolff–Kishner reduction has been a cornerstone of organic synthesis, serving as a primary strategy for the selective deoxygenation of carbonyl groups into their corresponding methylene analogues. While classical protocols and their subsequent modifications are simple and broadly applicable, they are frequently limited by harsh reaction conditions, poor functional group tolerance, and substrate sensitivity, thus giving rise to alternative approaches of higher efficiency. This review provides a survey of the evolution of the Wolff–Kishner reduction from early modifications up to the most recent trends, which include metal catalysis, continuous flow techniques, microwave-induced methods, and solar-driven activation. In addition, mechanistic considerations regarding the decomposition of hydrazones and carbanion formation are also presented. Although significant steps towards the improvement of deoxygenation processes have been accomplished, further research is required due to the existing deficiencies in substrate compatibility, reagent demand, and pharmaceutical applications, outlining a distinct path forward for upcoming scientific investigations.
SN - 2046-2069
ER -