Chapter 14: Organometallic Compounds
Preparation of Organocopper Reagents
Summary
The most useful organocopper reagents are lithium dialkylcuprates,
R
2
CuLi
.
Lithium dialkylcuprates are formed by the reaction of 2 equivalents of an organolithium with a copper (I) halide.
Typical solvents are normally anhydrous diethyl ether or tetrahydrofuran.
The alkyl group is usually primary. Secondary and tertiary are prone to decomposition.
Halide reactivity : I > Br > Cl
R
can be alkyl, vinyl or aryl.
©
Dr. Ian Hunt
, Department of Chemistry
