Potassium-alkyl magnesiates: synthesis, structures and Mg–H exchange applications of aromatic and heterocyclic substrates

Abstract

Using structurally well-defined dipotassium-tetra(alkyl)magnesiates, a new straightforward methodology to promote regioselective Mg–H exchange reactions of a wide range of aromatic and heteroaromatic substrates is disclosed. Contacted ion pair intermediates are likely to be involved, with K being the key to facilitate the magnesiation processes.