This Reductive Coupling Involves Two Steps. The Coupling Is Induced By Single Electron Transfer To The Carbonyl Groups From Alkali Metal (see Pinacol Coupling), Followed By Deoxygenation Of The 1,2-diol With Low-valent Titanium To Yield The Alkene.
The McMurry Reaction Works Well To Produce Symmetric Products Or Rings:
Recent Literature
A New Approach To The Preparation Of 1,3,4-Triarylpyrroles
D. X. Zeng, Y. Chen, Synlett, 2006, 490-492.
Insights Into The General And Efficient Cross McMurry Reactions Between Ketones
X.-F. Duan, J. Zeng, J.-W. Lü, Z.-B. Zhang, J. Org. Chem., 2006, 71, 9873-9876.