Low-valent manganese generated by the reduction of manganese(II) chloride u
sing lithium naphthalenide (Rieke manganese) promotes reactions of alkyl ha
lides with electrophiles such as acyl chloride, aldehyde, and ketone to aff
ord alkylation products. N-Haloalkyl-N-allyltosylamides are converted to py
rrolidine and piperidine derivatives in high yields. In the reactions of ar
omatic aldehyde and ketone, pinacol-type coupling products are produced.