Gilman reagent (LiR2Cu)

Definition

A Gilman reagent is an organometallic compound used in organic chemistry that consists of lithium, copper, and two organic groups attached to the copper. It is employed in nucleophilic substitution reactions for creating carbon-carbon bonds between organic halides and alkenes or alkynes.

Related terms

Organohalides:

Organic compounds containing at least one halogen atom attached to a carbon atom, often serving as starting materials in reactions with Gilman reagents.

Nucleophilic substitution: A type of chemical reaction where an electron-rich nucleophile selectively bonds with or attacks the positive charge of an atom or a group of atoms to replace a leaving group; this process is fundamental in creating new molecules using Gilman reagents.

Carbon:

carbon bond formation - The process of linking two carbon atoms together, which is a central goal in synthetic organic chemistry and often achieved through reactions involving Gilman reagents