Use of Aromatic Radical-Anions in the Absence of THF. Tandem Formation and Cyclization of Benzyllithiums Derived from the Attack of Homo- and Bishomoallyllithiums on α-Methylstyrenes: Two-Pot Synthesis of Cuparene<sup>1</sup>
developed. The radical anion can be generated and the reductive lithiation performed in dimethyl ether at -70 degrees C. After the addition of diethyl ether or other solvent, and evaporation of the dimethyl ether in vacuo, the alpha-methylstyrene is added and the solution is warmed to -30 degrees C. When the unsaturated alkyllithium is primary, no adduct forms in THF due to polymerization of the alpha-methylstyrene