Reductive lithiation of alkyl phenyl sulfides in diethyl ether. A ready access to α,α-dialkylbenzyllithiums

Diethyl ether is a convenient solvent for the conversion of benzylic phenyl sulfides to the corresponding organolithiums by an uncatalyzed reductive metalation, while catalysis by naphthalene is required to achieve the same reaction for alkyl phenyl sulfides. The addition of magnesium 2-ethoxyethoxide to solutions of unstable alkyllithiums prepared in this way provides storable reagents.