![reduction-esters reduccion-esteres](/images/stories/organica-ii/esteres/reduccion/reduccion-esteres-01.png)
The reductant supplies hydride ions to the carbonyl carbon, transforming it into alcohol.
The reaction mechanism is described below:
![reduction-esters reduccion-esteres](/images/stories/organica-ii/esteres/reduccion/reduccion-esteres-02.png)
The ketone is more reactive than the ester and a second equivalent of magnesium attacks it to form the alcohol.
![reduction-esters reduccion-esteres](/images/stories/organica-ii/esteres/reduccion/reduccion-esteres-03.png)
Cyclic esters (lactones) reduce with lithium aluminum hydride to form diols.
![reduction-esters reduccion-esteres](/images/stories/organica-ii/esteres/reduccion/reduccion-esteres-04.png)