| abstract |
The present invention provides the use of an α-hydroxycarbonyl compound capable of forming a cyclic dimer as a reducing agent. Corresponding reduction methods for reducible compounds, especially reduction-activated prodrugs, are also provided. Examples of α-hydroxycarbonyl compounds used are dihydroxyacetone, glycolaldehyde, glyceraldehyde, erythrose, xylulose, erythrulose, or 3-hydroxy-2-butanone. |