Probing solvent effects on mixed aggregates associating a chiral lithium amide and n-BuLi by NMR: from structure to reactivity

Abstract

An NMR study of a 1 : 1 mixture of a chiral lithium amide (4a) and n-BuLi shows that depending on the solvent employed (Et₂O or THF) a mixed aggregate can form in proportions that are directly related to the ees measured during the enantioselective alkylation of o-tolualdehyde by these same species.