Samarium(<scp>II</scp>) Iodide Mediated Reductions − Influence of Various Additives

Abstract

Abstract Samarium( II ) iodide is a one‐electron transfer reagent that has become highly appreciated as a mild and selective reducing agent in recent years. It has been found experimentally that various additives and co‐solvents largely control the reactivity of SmI 2 . This microreview provides an overview of the current knowledge of the reagent SmI 2 as a reducing agent, in particular with additives that increase its reactivity. The use of various proton sources is covered, as well as the effect of co‐solvents. Furthermore, the very powerful reagent mixture SmI 2 /H 2 O/amine is also described. (© Wiley‐VCH Verlag GmbH &amp; Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2004)