Abstract The preparation of SmBr 2 from Sm 2 O 3 is described. This samarium (II) compound is a powerful one electron reluctant able to very efficiently mediate pinacolic couplings. Cross couplings are effective in some cases, for example a chiral diol can be obtained from benzophenone md camphor. Intramolecular pinacolization of a diketone has also been performed.
