Combining two relatively weak bases (Zn(TMP)₂ and KOtBu) for the regioselective metalation of non-activated arenes and heteroarenes

Co-operation between two relatively weak Brønsted bases, Zn(TMP)₂ and KOtBu, produces a bimetallic base strong enough to regioselectively zincate non-activated arenes such as naphthalene, biphenylene and anthracene under mild conditions. This co-operativity is also effective with a range of more sensitive five-membered ring heterocyclic substrates including benzoxazole and caffeine. Metalation products have been intercepted with iodine, affording the relevant iodo-(hetero)arenes in good to excellent yields with finely tuned regioselective control. Combining NMR spectroscopic and X-ray crystallographic studies has uncovered that depending on the solvent, a complicated ligand distribution process of mixed aryl/alkoxy higher order zincate intermediates, (THF)_nK₂Zn(Ar)₂(OtBu)₂, that can liberate lower order zincates of the form [(THF)₂KZn(Ar)(OtBu)₂]₂ and eliminate potassium aryl species. While this ligand redistribution process seems to operate for non-substituted (hetero)arene metalation products, for non-activated alkylarenes such as mesitylene or m-xylene the higher-order zincates resulting from their lateral metalation are stable in solution and the solid state, which is attributed to the greater π-stabilisation that these systems can provide to the K cations. Adding another layer of complexity to this heterobimetallic system, over time the Zn(TMP)₂/2KOtBu combination reacts with the THF solvent of these reactions, to afford an unusual decomposition product which contains an s-trans-1,3-butadienyl (C₄H₅⁻) fragment coordinated to Zn within a potassium zincate structure. The formation of the latter is attributed to the initial synergistic α-zincation of THF, followed by subsequent ring opening and oxygen extrusion.