Metallic samarium promoted reductive dimerization cyclization of gem- diactivated alkenes, reductive debromination of vic-dibromides, and reduction of sodium alkyl thiosulfates in aqueous media

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4020(99)00602-X

In saturated NH₄Cl (aq.)-THF solution at room temperature, metallic samarium promoted reductive dimerization cyclization of gem-diactivated alkenes, reductive debromination of vic-dibromides, and reduction of sodium alkyl thiosulfates occur to afford corresponding functionalized cyclopentenes, (E)-alkenes, and disulfides. respectively in good yield. Only sub-stoichiometric quantities of samarium are employed in the former reactions and the trans- or trans,trans-form isomer is the majority product of the polysubstituted cyclopentene products.