Metal triflate catalyzed hydroxy-alkylation and acylation of aromatic systems

Electrophilic aromatic substitution reactions are pivotal in organic chemistry, relying on low-energy cations to temporarily disrupt aromatic systems. However, generating carbocations often poses significant challenges, such as rearrangements and β-elimination byproducts. These issues can restrict substrate scope and result in low yields in Friedel-Crafts electrophilic aromatic substitutions. Therefore, exploring alternative methods is crucial to expand the applicability of these reactions.
Our project investigates the activation of aldehydes, ketones, and nitriles using transition metal triflates for direct hydroxyalkylation and acylation reactions with benzene rings. This innovative approach directly produces benzhydrol, benzophenones, and xanthones—essential components in various pharmaceuticals and drug candidates.