Direct Formation of Functionalized Ketones via the Coupling of Functionalized Organocopper Reagents with Acid Chlorides.

Abstract Highly reactive copper solutions have been prepared by the lithium naphthalide reduction of a copper(I) iodide/triphenyl-phosphine complex. These copper solutions react rapidly with functionalized alkyl halides to give organocopper reagents which have been effectively trapped with acid chlorides giving functionalized ketones in good yields. Ester, nitrile, chloride, remote epoxide, and, to some degree, ketone groups can be tolerated by this approach.