Dimethylcopperlithium is used as a methylating reagent; undergoes conjugate addition reactions, 1,2-addition reactions, substitution reactions with alkyl, vinyl, and allyl substrates, carbocupration of alkynes, and reduction of carbon-heteroatom bonds.
Dimethylcopperlithium free of LiI can be prepared from isolated Methylcopper, and the reagent can also be prepared in the presence of complexing agents from CuI.SBu2, Copper(I) Iodide-Tributylphosphine, or CuBr.SMe2. Polymer-supported Me2CuLi is also available.
