Non-cryogenic metalation of aryl bromides bearing proton donating groups: formation of a stable magnesio-intermediate

Bromine–metal exchange of o-bromobenzoic acid (1) with Bu2Mg followed by n-BuLi was successfully carried out at non-cryogenic temperature (>−20°C), and gave a stabilized metal species which smoothly reacted with several electrophiles. This methodology expanded to several other bromides bearing proton donating groups (PDGs).