A simple cobalt‐catalyzed reductive coupling protocol allowing the synthesis of functionalized diarylmethanes from benzyl mesylate is described. The possibility to directly use the benzyl alcohol as a result of a two‐step reaction is also presented. This method tolerates a variety of functional groups. A benzyl radical is likely involved.magnified image

Easy dehalogenation of bromo-, chloro-aryl and alkyl derivatives is performed in the presence of a cobalt catalyst, manganese as reductant, and alcohol as hydrogen donor. This method tolerates a variety of functional groups with different electronic properties. Noteworthy examples of desulfonation are also reported.