In this dissertation, we present a new method for the Mn-catalyzed ring-opening carbonylation of cyclobutanols. Next, we describe the C-C coupling reaction of alkenylboronic acids and arendiazonium tetrafluoroborate salts to afford stilbenes. We then report the first Pd-catalyzed oxidative carbonylation in which the oxidant could be completely replaced by visible light. Oxalamides were obtained from the corresponding amines. Finally, we describe a direct one-step synthesis of ethylene glycol from paraformaldehyde.