Conjugate addition of organocopper reagents in dichloromethane to α,β-unsaturated esters

Organocopper reagents in conjunction with Lewis acid activators provide greater stability than traditional cuprate reagents while maintaining the reactivity needed for conjugate addition reactions in dichloromethane. Whereas cuprates engage in cross-coupling pathways, organocopper nucleophiles are more selective for conjugate addition. The utility of organocopper reagents in dichloromethane for the conjugate addition to α,β-unsaturated esters is expanded upon herein.