Allylsamarium bromide, prepared by the reaction of allyl bromide with samarium in THF at room temperature, reacted via 1,2-additionwith α,β-unsaturated aldehydes or ketones to give homoallyl alcohol. Thequantitative addition of allylsamarium bromide to α,β-unsaturated ketonesis a satisfactory display of regioselectivity. The structures of products werecharacterized by IR, ¹H NMR and MS spectra.

Key words: allylsamarium bromide, homoallyl alcohol, addition, regioselectivity