Copper-catalysed α-selective allylic alkylation of heteroaryllithium reagents

Abstract

2-Allyl-substituted thiophenes and furans are synthesised efficiently in a direct procedure using 2-heteroaryllithium reagents and allyl bromides and chlorides catalysed by ligand-free copper(I). The reactions take place under mild conditions, with excellent α-selectivity, high functional group tolerance and good yields for the S_N2 products.