13-benzenesulfonylhydrazone anthracyclines useful in producing improved yields in the synthesis 13-deoxyanthrcyclines, and an improved method of reducing 13-benzene-sulfonylhydrazone anthracyclines to 13-deoxyanthrcyclines wherein the reduction reaction is maintained at temperatures of about 55.degree. C. to 64.degree. C. without stirring or agitation. The reaction is completed with the addition of aqueous bicarbonate which forms the 13-deoxyanthracycline and precipitates. The precipitates are filtered and the precipitate and filtrate are extracted separately with organic solvents. The crude 13-deoxy anthracycline can be converted to 5-imino-13-deoxy anthracycline by reaction with methanolic ammonia. The reaction can also be performed with an acidic pyridinium salt instead of a strong acid so that neutralization of the reaction or extraction of the product is not necessary, thereby facilitating purification.