Copper-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation with Organolithium Reagents

Significance

This report describes the utilization of organolithium reagents as nucleophile sources in copper-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation. Using Taniaphos as the chiral ligand, various alkyllithium reagents are nicely coupled with substituted allyl bromides in S_N2′ manner. Using a chiral phosphoramidite ligand allows cinnamyl chloride and phenyllithium to participate in the reaction.