Microwave-based Deprotonation Reactions with Alkyllithium Compounds

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Carsten Strohmann
• Subject Area: Inorganic Molecular Chemistry - Synthesis and Characterisation
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 455687658

In the course of this research project, deprotonation reactions using alkyllithium compounds under microwave radiation are to be investigated in more detail. Up to now, the possibilities for the metalation of compounds whose deprotonation is kinetically inhibited, as well as multiple metalations, are still very limited. The activation barriers of these reactions are too high for conventional methods and are to be overcome by microwave radiation. In initial experiments, multiple metalation of simple organosilanes and aromatics as well as the α-metalation of tertiary amines was made possible for the first time, so that we see great potential in this method for extending the synthetically significant field of deprotonation reactions. Within the scope of the research project, the substrate spectrum will be extended and the combination of microwave technology with open reaction control or the use of microtube reactors will be investigated. The aim is to develop generally valid protocols applicable to a broad spectrum of starting materials, which make previously inhibited metalation reactions accessible.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants