Both metal-catalyzed and organocatalytic transfer hydrogenation reactions are widely employed for the reduction of C&z.dbd;O and C&z.dbd;N bonds. However, selective transfer hydrogenation reactions of C&z.dbd;C bonds remain challenging. Therefore, the chemoselective transfer hydrogenation of olefins under mild conditions and in the absence of metal catalysts, using readily available and inexpensive reducing agents ( i.e. primary and secondary alcohols), will mark a significant advancement towards the development of green transfer hydrogenation strategies. Described herein is an unconventional catalyst-free transfer hydrogenation reaction of activated alkenes using isopropanol as an eco-friendly reductant and solvent. The reaction gives convenient synthetic access to a wide range of substituted malonic acid half oxyesters (SMAHOs) in moderate to good yields. Mechanistic investigations point towards an unprecedented hydrogen bond-assisted transfer hydrogenation process. Described herein is an unconventional catalyst-free transfer hydrogenation reaction of activated alkenes using isopropanol as an eco-friendly reductant and solvent.