selective method for the conversion of allylic, secondary- and tertiary benzylic alcohols into their corresponding ethers in the presence of iron(III) as FeCl3 and Fe(ClO4)3 under solvolytic condition is described. The results obtained from an optically active allylic alcohol show that a carbonium ion is formed during the course of the reaction.
An inexpensive alloy of light lanthanides, called Mischmetall, has been used in the preparation of a mixture of lanthanide trichloride hydrates. The use of this new type of material is described in Luche-type reductions.