Synthesis of Tamoxifen and 4-Hydroxytamoxifen using Super-base-metalated Propylbenzene

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/0040-4039(95)01759-B

Propylbenzene is metalated regioselectively at the α-carbon using the n-BuLi-t-BuOK-TMEDA super-base combination; the resulting carbanion condenses with functionalised benzophenones to provide direct syntheses of tamoxifen and 4-hydroxytamoxifen.