Reduction of Z-2-chlorostilbene with lithium aluminum hydride: evidence for an electron transfer radical mechanism

$\text{Z}$-2-Chlorostilbene undergoes uncatalyzed LiAlH₄ reduction giving phenanthrene and $\text{Z}$-stilbene. An electron transfer radical mechanism is proposed. LiAlH₄ induced isomerization of $\text{Z}$-stilbene produces $\text{E}$-stilbene.