Metallic Dysprosium Induced Silyl Radical Reactions: Intermolecular Cyclization and Reduction of Alkynes and Imines

We have found that the combination of chlorosilane and metallic Dy can serve as an effective promoter for the radical cyclotrimerization of alkynes as well as the transformation of imines to imidazolidines and hydrazines. In addition, catalytic quantities of SiCl4/Dy can also effectively promote the radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate.