Cross-Coupling of Benzylic Acetates with Arylboronic Acids

Significance

The diarylmethane framework is a widespread motif, for example, in pharmacologically interesting compounds. A convenient route toward diarylmethanes includes cross-coupling reaction between arylboronic acids and benzylic electrophiles. Benzylic acetates are among the most stable and readily available benzylic electrophiles; therefore, their use in this reaction is very convenient. The yields in this method are uniformly high for the substrates with different electronic and steric properties. Functional groups like an alcohol or an ester are well tolerated. The acetates can be prepared in situ from the corresponding alcohols and Ac₂O and then used directly without isolation, which allow starting the process from benzylic alcohols.