Aldehydes, conjugated reaction with organocuprates

C-Trapping. Alkylation or hydroxy alkylation (i.e., reaction with RCHO) of enolates derived from conjugate addition of organocuprates affords vicinal dialkylated products. However, the reaction is confined to highly reactive alkylating agents such as methyl, allyl, propargyl, benzyl, and a-halocarbonyl compounds or aldehydes. 

An interesting observation from organocuprate chemistry is that the initial step in 1,4-addition to enones may be electron transfer. Thus the relative reactivity of enones toward conjugate addition parallels their ease of reduction. One problem with any reaction between a ketone or aldehyde and a metal alkyl is deprotonation, when a hydrogens are present, to yield an enolate. Given the considerable basicity of metal alkyls, this side reaction should be anticipated. 

The Cu-catalyzed conjugate addition of organomanganese reagents to a,/3-ethyle-nic aldehydes gives similar results than those obtained via lithium organocuprates in the presence of trimethylchlorosilane (Scheme 13.41) [36]. However, the reaction is easier to carry out since the aldehyde is obtained in one step instead of the two steps required with an organocuprate. It is important since the partial aldoli-... 

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