The scalable pinacol coupling reaction utilizing the inorganic electride [Ca2N](+)·e(-) as an electron donor.

The scalable pinacol coupling reaction is realized utilizing the inorganic electride [Ca2N](+)·e(-) as an electron donor in organic solvents. The bond cleavages of the [Ca2N](+) layers by methanol play a vital role in transferring anionic electrons to electrophilic aldehydes, accompanying the formation of Ca(OMe)2 and ammonia.