Palladium-catalyzed transfer hydrogenation in alkaline aqueous medium

Catalytic transfer hydrogenation using palladium(II) chloride, formate and aqueous sodium hydroxide is effective for the reduction of unsaturated carboxylic acids, azalactones, and α-ketocarboxylic acids. This method is convenient, economical, avoids organic solvents, and uses a stable, nonpyrophoric catalyst.