Ortho-directed functionalization of arenes using magnesate bases.

Ortho-directed functionalisation of arenes using lithium alkylmagnesate bases were achieved, demonstrating the potential use of arylmagnesates as suitable arylanions, without a further transmetallation step, for challenging functionalizations such as fluorination, hydroxylation, arylation, vinylation and alkylation through epoxide ring-opening.