Abstract
2-, 3- and 4-Methoxytoluene can be selectively metalated at an O-adjacent ortho position when butyllithium or tert-butyllithium in the presence of sodium (potassium) tert-butoxide or N,N,N′,N″,N″-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine are employed as reagents. In contrast, lithium diisopropylamide or lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide deprotonate the benzylic α-position of 2- and 3-methoxy-toluene exclusively and of 4-methoxytoluene preferentially. These relative reactivities can be rationalized by an interplay of transition state stabilizing and destabilizing forces (dipole matching and metal coordination vs. lone pair repulsion).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
