Activation of polar organometallic reagents with alkali-metal alkoxides

The use of group 1 metal alkoxides as additives to activate s-block organometallics is an established phenomenon in polar organometallic chemistry. Typified by the Lochmann–Schlosser superbase, these reagents have proved be exceptionally powerful bases for deprotonative metallation organic substrates. However, despite their long-standing importance synthesis, nature this activating effect remains fully understood. Here we shed light on origins special reactivities which are capable, generally cannot replicated homometallic precursors. In addition, reactivity studies that mixed-metal constitutions discussed. Opening up new directions lithium promote direct regioselective magnesium (or zinc)/halogen exchange processes access highly functionalized also discussed, with emphasis rationalizing role each transformations. By showcasing using alkali-metal reagents, Perspective outlines applications combinations arene functionalization via metal/halogen and metallation. Our mechanistic understanding how systems operate has revealed complex diverse mixed-metal/mixed-aggregate composition.