A catalyst‐ and additive‐free chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of α‐keto amides to α‐hydroxy amides is easily achieved by using sodium formate as a hydrogen source. Control experiments suggest that the NH group of α‐keto amides is crucial for the chemoselective reduction through the formation of hydrogen bonds.
An efficient and practical method for chemoselective “on-water” reduction of α-keto amide by Hantzschester without using any catalysts and additives was developed. Control experiments indicated that the intramolecular hydrogen bond of α-keto amide was crucial for this transformation. A variety of α-hydroxy amides were prepared in high yields in an environmentally friendly way.