A convenient pathway to Sm(ii)-mediated chemistry in acetonitrile??

Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry Pub Date: 2011-01-27 DOI: 10.1039/C0OB01229G

Abstract

In this communication we show that the instability of samarium diiodide (SmI2) in acetonitrile is a consequence of ionization of the reductant in this solvent. Samarium triflate (Sm(OTf)2) is exceptionally stable in acetonitrile for periods over six months and can be used with appropriate additives to initiate a ketyl–olefin coupling reaction in high yield.

Graphical abstract: A convenient pathway to Sm(ii)-mediated chemistry in acetonitrile
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