C??C bond formation via homo- or heterocoupling of alkyl and aryl halides is of considerable interest in modern organic synthesis.1 View all references Stilbene and bibenzyl, which are used as intermediate compounds in the production of dyes, paints, and resins, are generally synthesized by homocoupling of benzyl halides in the presence of a stoichiometric excess of a metallic reducing agents. Commonly used agents include Ni,24. Inaba , S. , Matsumoto , H. and Rieke , RD ...