Table 4. Addition of various lithium amides 2a–h to ethyl benzoate 1a or ethyl trifluoroacetate 1n ^a .

^aReactions performed in air at ambient temperature using 1 g of solvent and 1 mmol of ester 1a or 1n. Reactions stirred for 20 s, then quenched with sat. Rochelle's salt soln. (5 mL). Lithium amides 2a–h were added as a 1 M soln. in 2-MeTHF. Isolated yields are given.

^b3 eq. of lithium anilide 2b solution.

^c0.08 M lithium morpholide 2d solution. Isolated yields are given.