Metal-Free C-O Bond Functionalization: Catalytic Intramolecular and Intermolecular Benzylation of Arenes

A catalytic, metal-free intramolecular rearrangement of benzyl phenyl ethers using nitrosonium salt as a catalyst is described. The optimized reaction conditions enabled a catalytic and metal-free Friedel Crafts alkylation reaction with benzylic alcohols, producing water as the stoichiometric byproduct. A comprehensive scope (>50 examples) for both approaches and application in drug synthesis were demonstrated. Mechanistic studies suggest a Lewis acid-based mechanism for the metal-free Friedel Crafts reaction.