Exploiting chemical cooperativity between Li and Mn(II), a series of symmetrical bis(aryls) has been prepared via a stepwise direct Mn-I exchange/oxidative C-C homocoupling protocol.
Trapping and characterization of key reaction intermediates demonstrates the involvement of lithium manganate species, in which Li and Mn work together to facilitate these transformations.

This work was carried out in the group of Prof. Eva Hevia.

Reference:

• M. Uzelac, P. Mastropierro, M. de Tullio, I. Borilovic, M. Tarrés, A. R. Kennedy, G. Aromí, E. Hevia;
  "Tandem Mn-I Exchange and Homocoupling Processes Mediated by a Synergistically Operative Lithium Manganate"
  Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 2021, 60(6), 3247-3253; doi:10.1002/anie.202013153.