title: Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of diarylmethanes: exploitation of carbanionic leaving groups.
abstract: A novel route to the synthesis of diarylmethanes via a Pd-catalyzed alpha-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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Connecticut, 55 North Eagleville Road, Storrs, Connecticut 06269-3060, USA.
authors.forename: Jason R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Schmink
authors.forename: Nicholas E
authors.initials: NE
authors.lastname: Leadbeater