Aldehydes and Ketones Form Intermediate π Complexes with the Gilman Reagent, Me₂CuLi, at Low Temperatures in Tetrahydrofuran

Typical aldehydes and ketones form π complexes with Me2CuLi at low temperatures in tetrahydrofuran. They range in stability from fleeting intermediates at -100 °C to entities that persist up to -20 °C. Three subsequent reaction pathways have been identified.