Conjugate Addition Reactions to a-b-Unsaturated Carbonyls

For each of the reactions on the left, predict the major organic product. Pay particular attention to the regiochemistry and stereochemistry of the reaction.

Click the mouse on the reactant molecule to view the answer;

click on the reagent to briefly review the reaction.







Diethylaluminum nitrile will add to a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the b-nitrilo carbonyl.










Dimethylcopperlithium reagent will add to a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the b-methyl carbonyl.
















Primary amines will add to a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the b-amino carbonyl.









An enolizable carbon will lose a proton in the presence of the strong base, such as lithium diisopropylamide (LDA), to give an enolate anion. Reaction of this with an a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds will add the enol to the b-position give the conjugate addition product.















Diethylaluminum nitrile will add to a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the b-nitrilo carbonyl.





Dimethylcopperlithium reagent will add to a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the b-methyl carbonyl.











Primary amines will add to a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds to give the b-amino carbonyl.










An enolizable carbon will lose a proton in the presence of the strong base, such as lithium diisopropylamide (LDA), to give an enolate anion. Reaction of this with an a-b-unsaturated carbonyl compounds will add the enol to the b-position give the conjugate addition product.