After reduction by SmI 2 , the soluble Ni(0) species inserts into the alkyl halide bond forming an organonickel species. Driven by the highly oxophilic nature of Sm(III), transmetallation to form an organosamarium intermediate releases Ni(II) back into the catalytic cycle. The organosamarium then couples with the carbonyl, and upon protonation forms the desired tertiary alcohol. It was also observed that Ni(0) nanoparticles are formed through Sm-mediated reduction of Ni(II), however these particles were found to be inactive and the source of deactivation of the catalyst.