Synthesis of diarylmethanes via a Friedel-Crafts benzylation using arenes and benzyl alcohols in the presence of triphenylphosphine ditriflate

Triphenylphosphine ditriflate (TPPD) was found to be an efficient promoter for the Friedel-Crafts benzylation of arenes with benzyl alcohols in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. The good yields, the 1:1 molar ratio of arene and benzyl alcohol, the benzylation of chlorobenzene as a nonactivated aromatic compound at room temperature, and no by-product formation are the main advantages of this procedure. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.