Activation of manganese metal with a catalytic amount of lead and Me₃SiCl and its application to organic synthesis

The reducing ability of manganese metal can be utilized effectively by treatment with a catalytic amount of PbCli and Me3SiCl. This article discusses the following specific themes using the activated manganese metal as a reductant. 1) Generation of alkyl radicals and their trapping with α β-unsaturated esters. 2) Three-component coupling reactions of alkyl iodides, electron-deficient olefins, and carbonyl compounds based on the concept of sequential generation of a radical and anionic species. 3) Sequential 1,4-addition and Claisen rearrangement. 4) Generation of non-stabilized carbonyl ylides. 5) Selective reduction of iod-oform and its application to the synthesis of alkenylsilanes.