10.1016/S0040-4039(02)00597-X
The research focuses on the improved addition of phenyllithium (PhLi) to hindered ketones using non-polar media at room temperature. The study was conducted on six hindered ketones: (?)-fenchone, (?)-menthone, (+)-camphor, 3,3,5-trimethylcyclohexanone, 3,3,5,5-tetramethylcyclohexanone, and 2,4-dimethylpentan-3-one. The researchers aimed to enhance the low reactivity of these ketones towards PhLi, which traditionally yields modest results when performed in ethers like diethyl ether or THF. The experiments involved dissolving the ketones in a non-polar solvent, such as toluene or a toluene-diethyl ether mixture, and then slowly adding commercial PhLi via syringe. The mixtures were stirred at room temperature for 2 to 4 hours. The results showed significant improvements in yield compared to traditional methods, with the addition occurring in a stereospecific manner, favoring the less-hindered side. The configuration of the adducts was established using 13C NMR according to literature methods. This approach was found to be more efficient, cost-effective, and easier, offering a significant advantage for the synthesis of chiral inducers.