Dilithium 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenoxide) as a bidentate Lewis acid in organic synthesis

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)00575-9

Dilithium 2,2'-methylenebis(4,6-di-tert-butylphenoxide) can be successfully utilized as a bidentate Lewis acid for simultaneous coordination to carbonyl groups, thereby accelerating the Diels-Alder reactions. The double activation ability of the bidentate lithium reagent toward carbonyls is emphasized in comparison with the corresponding monodentate lithium reagent.