Abstract
Abstract The reductive coupling of aldehydes to afford pinacolic alcohols using all kinds of reducing agents involving samarium is well known. In this report, however, treatment of aromatic aldehydes with Cu(I)/Sm system produces benoins and/or benzils in good yields. A possible mechanism is proposed where Cu(I) not only activates the Sm metal but also promotes the dehydrogenation of the intermediates, during which a Cu(III) species may be involved. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Synthetic Communications® for the following free supplemental resource(s): Full experimental and spectral details.]
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
