Generation and Reaction of Samarium(II) Iodide Equivalent from Samarium and Chlorotrimethylsilane/Sodium Iodide System in Acetonitrile.

Samarium(II) iodide equivalent was generated from metallic samarium and Me3SiCl/Nal reagent in acetonitrile under ambient conditions. Dehalogenation of α-halocarbonyl compounds and reductive coupling of ketones were successfully carried out by the use of the samarium(II) species, thus generated, in acetonitrile.