Lithiation reactions catalyzed by linear and cross-linked arene-based polymers.: Generation of functionalized organolithium compounds

Lithiation of various substrates, such as chlorinated acetals, alpha-chloro ether, dichloro derivatives, benzo-fused heterocycles, and allyl and benzyl derivatives, with excess lithium powder in the presence of a catalytic amount of soluble linear or insoluble cross-linked arene (naphthalene or biphenyl)-based polymers yields the expected organolithium intermediates. The latter react with electrophiles either in two steps or under Barbier-type reaction conditions to afford the corresponding adducts. The catalyst is easily recuperated by filtration at the end of the process, and the procedure can be regarded as a reasonable alternative to the use of free arenes as electron carrier in lithiation reactions.