Highly regioselective control of 1,2-addition of organolithiums to α,β-unsaturated compounds promoted by lithium bromide in 2-methyltetrahydrofuran: a facile and eco-friendly access to allylic alcohols and amines

Very high regioselective 1,2-addition of organolithiums to alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl-like compounds (ketones, aldehydes, and imines) in the presence of LiBr was achieved by carrying out reactions in the sustainable solvent 2-methyltetrahydrofuran. Excellent yields (in isolated product) of allylic alcohols and allylic amines were recovered under a simple experimental procedure at 0 degrees C. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.