The metalation of benzene by Schlosser's base (nBuLi/tBuOK) occurs smoothly in THF at low temperatures to afford a discrete mixed-metal Li2 K4 cluster that contains phenyl anions and tert-butoxide. The aggregate itself exhibits superbasic behavior by metalating toluene. The delocalized benzyl anion obtained this way π bonds to potassium counterions, thereby creating a 2D coordination polymer.
Keywords: alkali metals; carbanions; heterometallic complexes; superbase metalation.
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