A general method for the regioselective benzylic metallation of (η6-alkylarene) chromium tricarbonyl complexes on the action of lithium amides in THF under very mild conditions has been developed. Transmetallation reactions of the lithium derivatives thus obtained produce the corresponding benzylic organotin, zinc and copper chromium tricarbonyl complexes. Methods for the preparative benzylic functionalization of (η6-alkylarene) chromium ...
