posted on 2009-06-18, 00:00authored byJason R. Schmink, Nicholas E. Leadbeater
A novel route to the synthesis of diarylmethanes via a Pd-catalyzed α-arylation of benzyl ketones is reported. By harnessing the inherent reactivity of enolates, it is possible to circumvent the need for a transmetalating reagent such as boron for the coupling. Additionally, the two phenyl rings of the intermediate are exploited to stabilize the high-energy carbanionic leaving group in a straightforward synthesis.