The present invention relates to a method for reducing unsaturated organic compounds chosen from the group formed by the aldehydes, the ketones, the imines, the carboxylic acids, the amides, and the esters with a boron formate having the formula (I) in the presence of a solvent and optionally a base.The invention also relates to the use of the method for reducing unsaturated organic compounds chosen from the group formed by the aldehydes, the ketones, the imines, the carboxylic acids, the amides, and the esters according to the invention in the preparation of methanol, methylated amines, formaldehyde and alcohols; for the preparation of reactants for Suzuki coupling reactions; and in the manufacturing of vitamins, pharmaceutical products, glues, acrylic fibers, synthetic leather, pesticides.