Catalyst-controlled reverse selectivity in C–C bond formation: NHC-Cu-catalyzed α-selective allylic alkylation with organolithium reagents

Abstract

An efficient and highly α-selective copper-catalyzed allylic alkylation of allylic halides with organolithium reagents is presented. The use of N-heterocyclic carbenes as ligands is key to reverse the common γ-selectivity of this transformation and gives rise to the corresponding linear products with high levels of regioselectivity.