Chapter 18: Enols and Enolates

Conjugate Addition reactions Summary

• Conjugate or 1,4-addition tends to occur with nucleophiles that are weaker bases.
• Examples : thiols RSH, cyanide ion ^-CN, organocopper reagents R₂CuLi, and enolates.
• Direct  or 1,2-addition tedns to occur with nucleophiles that are stronger bases.
• Examples : Organolithiums RLi, lithium aluminium hydride, LiAlH₄ and Grignard reagents, RMgX.
• The product of conjugate addition is usually more stable (i.e. the thermodynamic product) as it still contains the strong C=O bond.

	Organocuprates
	Michael reaction

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© Dr. Ian Hunt, Department of Chemistry