Corey–House synthesis is a method used to prepare higher alkanes by coupling an alkyl halide with a Gilman reagent (lithium dialkylcuprate, R₂CuLi).

Preparation of Gilman Reagent

Important JEE/NEET Points

✔ Best with primary alkyl halides
✔ Does not work well with tertiary halides (elimination dominates)
✔ Useful for forming unsymmetrical alkanes
✔ Milder and more selective than Wurtz reaction
✔ Works via substitution mechanism

Mechanistic Reason

• Proceeds via substitution (SN2-like)
• No free radical chain process
• Controlled coupling