Metalation of toluene and cumene with alkali metal-crown ether complexes

Abstract

Metalation of toluene and isopropylbenzene with alkali metal-crown ether complexes led to the corresponding α-metalated alkylbenzenes. Treatment of the latter in succession with solid carbon dioxide, water, and hydrochloric acid gave carboxylic or dicarboxylic acids in 65–78% yield. Metalation of isopropylbenzene with sodium or potassium crown ether complexes above 90°C was accompanied by cleavage of the polyether ring with formation of organometallic compounds which then reacted with isopropylbenzene to produce 2-sodio(potassio)-2-phenylpropane and open-chain oligoether.