Copper-mediated cross-coupling of functionalized arylmagnesium reagents with functionalized alkyl and benzylic halides.

[reaction: see text]. Functionalized arylmagnesium halides, prepared via an iodine-magnesium exchange, undergo a smooth cross-coupling reaction with functionalized primary alkyl iodides and benzylic bromides in the presence of CuCN.2LiCl, either in stoichiometric (with trimethyl phosphite as an additive) or catalytic quantities.