Asymmetric Synthesis of Tertiary Alcohols and Thiols via Nonstabilized Tertiary α‐Oxy‐ and α‐Thio‐Substituted Organolithium Species

Nonstabilized α‐O‐substituted tertiary organolithium species are difficult to generate, and the α‐S‐substituted analogues are configurationally unstable. We now report that they can both be generated easily and trapped with a range of electrophiles with high enantioselectivity, providing ready access to a range of enantioenriched tertiary alcohols and thiols. The configurational stability of the α‐S‐organolithium species was enhanced by using a less coordinating solvent and short reaction times.     

Direct Arylation of α‐Amino C(sp3)‐H Bonds by Convergent Paired Electrolysis

A metal‐free convergent paired electrolysis strategy to synthesize benzylic amines through direct arylation of tertiary amines and benzonitrile derivatives at room temperature has been developed. This TEMPO‐mediated electrocatalytic reaction makes full use of both anodic oxidation and cathodic reduction without metals or stoichiometric oxidants, thus showing great potential and advantages for practical synthesis. This convergent paired electrolysis method provides a straightforward and powerful means to activate C?H bonds and realize cross‐coupling with cathodically generated species.