Organometallic Reagents: Synthesis and Reactivity

This lecture covers the synthesis and reactivity of organometallic reagents, focusing on the Wadsworth-Emmons reaction mechanism, Still-Gennari modification, and the formation of Grignard and organolithium reagents. It also discusses the stereoselective construction of polyenes, the addition of organometallic reagents to carbonyl compounds, and the transformation from Weinreb amide to ketone. Emphasis is placed on enol and enolate chemistry, equilibrium constants, and factors influencing enolate formation. The lecture concludes with a comparison between enolate formation and nucleophilic addition, highlighting the importance of using non-nucleophilic bases to avoid unwanted side reactions.