A Novel C-C Single Bond Formation by Use of Ketones, Alkylmagnesium Bromide, and Low-Valent Vanadium in the Presence of a Catalytic Amount of Molecular Oxygen.

Reductive coupling of ketones mediated by MeMgBr, vanadium, and O{sub 2} is described. Multiple examples of this reaction are discussed. Both a C-C bond formation product and an alcohol product are formed.