Barbier Reaction

Abstract

In the Barbier reaction, both alkyl halides and carbonyl compounds are simultaneously mixed with magnesium turnings and form carbon‐carbon bonds in one‐step. It has been reported that small excess of the toxic halide can be used, and similar results, including the R:S ratio, with respect to the Grignard reaction can be obtained. This reaction is known to be preferable for halides and is believed to go through the single‐electron transfer (SET) process. Presently, many zero‐valent metals have been successfully applied to similar reaction conditions. It has been reported that nonpolar solvents favor R‐regioselection whereas polar solvents lead to γ‐ syn selection. This reaction has wide applications in organic synthesis.