new, simple and high-yield synthesis of a salt-free samarium(II) triflate, [Sm(OTf)2(DME)2] is described. In stoichiometric amounts this derivative mediates typical samarium (II) coupling reactions such as pinacolisation, dimerisation of imines and Barbier-type reactions. It can also acts as a precatalyst for Mukaiyama aldol and Michael reactions and Diels-Alder reactions.