Cu-deposits on Mg metal surfaces promote electron transfer reactions

The enhancement of the electron transfer processes in the Grignard reagent formation-type ring silylation and the defluorination-silylation of perfluoroalkyl benzenes by Cu(0)-deposited Mg metal were confirmed. Microscopic analysis and substituent effects implied a different reduction process in the presence of Cu-deposited Mg metal than in the presence of bare Mg metal.