Synthesis and properties of some 2-(dimethylamino)methyl-substituted arylcopper compounds

Abstract

The synthesis and isolation of 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenylcopper and its 5-methyl, 5-methoxy, 5-chloro and 3-chloro derivatives are described. These hydrocarbon-soluble arylcopper compounds are appreciably more thermally stable than phenylcopper (e.g. 2-[(dimethylamino)methyl]phenylcopper decomposes only at 175–185°). They also show improved hydrolytic and oxidative stability.

Lithiation of 1-methoxy-4-[(dimethylamino)methyl]naphthalene with butyllithium occurs at the 5-position. Metathesis of 1-methoxy-4-[(dimethylamino)methyl]-5-lithionaphthalene with cuprous bromide affords the corresponding organocopper compound.