The effect of silicon on C–C bond formation between carbonyl compounds and allyltrimethylsilane was investigated. Treatment of 1,3‐diketones, β‐ketoesters or malonates with allyltrimethylsilane in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) in methanol produced the corresponding allylated products. Furthermore, introduction of Mn(OAc)3 · 2H2O into those reactions for replacement or assistance of CAN afforded silicon‐containing cyclopentanes in 51–75% yields. A sequential process involving allylation, free‐radical cyclization and elimination was also developed by use of CAN/Mn (OAc)3 · 2H2O/Cu(OAc)2 · H2O. Accordingly, β‐ketoesters or malonates were allowed to react with allylsilanes in acetic acid to give silicon‐containing cyclopentanes with an exo methylene unit in 52–71% yields. These reactions involved carbocationic and carboradical intermediates, of which formation and chemical activities were controlled by a β‐silyl group. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.