Highly functionalized benzene syntheses by directed mono or multiple magnesiations with TMPMgCl.LiCl.

The direct magnesiation of highly functionalized aromatics bearing an ester, a nitrile, or a ketone can be readily performed by using an OBoc as a directing group and TMPMgCl.LiCl as a base. It allows, for example, the preparation of a meta-magnesiated benzophenone in >95%. After quenching, highly functionalized and substituted benzenes are obtained. [reaction: see text].