Reactivity in the upper limits of the reduction potential in solution: arene dianion intermolecular carbolithiation of alkenes

Abstract

Lithium salts of dianions derived from arenes of high reduction potential (biphenyl, naphthalene) can carbometallate terminal alkenes (propene, isobutene) in an intermolecular fashion, affording partially dearomatized alkylated aryl anions, which are susceptible to further functionalization by electrophilic capture. This form of reactivity, specific of the arene dianion, deviates from the typical alkali metal-like reactivity displayed by these complexes, affording in most cases regio- and stereocontrolled products. Simple semiempirical calculations (PM3) help predicting the regiochemical outcome of this reaction, where some of the most inexpensive organic starting materials are involved.