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 under mild conditions.
β-hydroxy esters in the presence of catalytic amounts of the NiBr2(2,2′-bipyridine) complex has been developped from mixed electrolysis of methallylchloride, or methylchloroacetate with several carbonylcompounds, using a one-compartment cell equiped of a sacrificial zinc anode.