Abstract A Reformatsky-type reaction has been developed using iron catalysis in acetonitrile or DMF. Reduction of iron (II) bromide by manganese metal in acetonitrile provides a low- valent iron catalyst, which is the active species; under these conditions, α-chloroesters or nitriles can both be converted into their corresponding derivatives. The method was applicable to both ketones and aldehydes, resulting in the formation of β-hydroxyesters ...
