A'~ g-0ctal-2-ones with angular substituents R have been synthesized and subjected to reduction conditions by employing the ethylenediamine complex of CrS04 in aqueous DMF at 25" C. For R= Me, CHz0CH20CH2CHzOMe, CH20THP, and COOMe negligible reduction was observed within 60 h, and starting materials were recovered in 60% yields. For R= CHzOH and COOH complete disappearance of starting material was achieved in 30-64 h, ...