Controlled Anion Migrations with a Mixed Metal Li/K-TMP Amide: General Application to Benzylic Metalations
摘要:
A general method is described for benzylic metalation of o-, m-, and p-substituted toluenes using a mixed metal amide base generated from BuLi/KOtBu/TMP at -78 degrees C in THF. The excellent selectivity achieved can be rationalized by the ability of the mixed metal amide base to facilitate an anion migration from the kinetic (o-aryl) to the benzylic metalation site. Remarkably, this controlled anion migration is achievable with catalytic amounts of TMP at -78 degrees C.
We have investigated the reductive cleavage of arylalkyl methylethers with an excess of lithium metal and a catalytic amount of naphthalene. The reaction proceeds regioselectively in the presence of various substituents on the aromatic ring, allowing access to a wide array of arylalkyl lithium derivatives, some of which are not easily accessible by conventional methods.