Csp3-Csp3 Homocoupling Reaction of Benzyl Halides Catalyzed by Rhodium

A highly reactive alkylrhodium complex was formed from Me2Zn and RhCl(PPh3)(3) and effectively catalyzed a Csp(3)-Csp(3) homocoupling reaction of benzyl halides. A Csp(3)-Csp(3) coupling reaction using Rh catalyst has not been reported up to now. The reaction proceeded under very mild conditions and gave the corresponding homocoupling products even if they had reactive substituents such as an uncovered formyl or hydroxymethyl group.