Single electron transfer-induced Grignard cross-coupling involving ion radicals as exclusive intermediates.

The mechanism of the previously developed cross-coupling reaction of aryl Grignard reagents with aryl halides was explored in more detail. Single electron transfer from an aryl Grignard reagent to an aryl halide initiates a radical chain by giving an anion radical of the aryl halide. The following propagation cycle consists entirely of anion radical intermediates.