Reductions of Alkyl and Aryl Halides with Magnesium and Methanol

Abstract

The combination of magnesium in methanol provides a convenient, efficient system for the selective hydrogenolysis of alkyl and aryl iodides and bromides. Vinyl bromides are also reduced if conjugated to an aromatic ring while only benzylic, allylic and naphthalenic chlorides are affected. Deuterium may be selectively introduced via utilization of methanol-d as solvent.