Efficient synthesis of chlorohydrins using ClCH2MgCl·LiCl

The mixed lithium-magnesium carbenoid ClCH2MgCl·LiCl was easily generated in THF through the reaction of chloroiodomethane with i-PrMgCl·LiCl at −78 °C. This reagent reacts well with a number of aldehydes to give the corresponding chlorohydrins in good yields.