Gold-catallyzed benzylation of arenes and heteroarenes

Friedel-Crafts type benzylation of arenes and heteroarenes with benzylic acetates, alcohols, and carbonates is effectively promoted under mild reaction conditions using catalytic amounts of gold salts. The resulting 1,1-diarylalkanes and 1-aryl-1-heteroarylalkanes are obtained in high yields and with high selectivity. The utility of the method is demonstrated by a short synthesis of beclobrate {ethyl 2-[4-(4-chlorobenzyl)-phenoxy]-2-methylbutyrate (3)}, a fibric acid derivative.