Product Yield Mn(III)X 2 Cl species does not promote cyclobutane ring opening in the absence of a hydroxyl functional group. As such, a plausible reaction mechanism initiates with the formation of [Mn(II)X 2 Cl] -from Mn(II)X 2 and MgCl 2 , which is oxidized at the anode to form Mn(III)X 2 Cl (Scheme 3B). This intermediate undergoes ligand exchange with the cycloalkanol, with subsequent homolysis generating an alkoxy radical, which can undergo reversible β-scission. Trapping of the transient primary carbon-centered radical with the persistent Mn(III)X 2 Cl species forms a new C-Cl bond. Hydrogen gas is generated via proton reduction at the cathode.