Asymmetric allylic alkylation of acyclic allylic ethers with organolithium reagents.

A highly efficient, regio- and enantioselective Cu(I)/phosphoramidite-catalyzed asymmetric allylic alkylation of allyl ethers with organolithium reagents is reported (see scheme). The use of organolithium reagents is essential for this catalytic C-C bond formation due to their compatibility with different Lewis acids. The versatility of allylic ethers under the copper-catalyzed reaction conditions with organolithium reagents is demonstrated in the shortest synthesis of (S)-Arundic acid.