Hf(OTf)4-Catalyzed 1,6-Conjugate Addition of 2-Alkyl-azaarenes to para-Quinone Methides

Herein we reported a Hf(OTf)(4)-catalyzed carbon-carbon bond formation reaction between 2-alkyl-azaarenes and para-quinone methides (p-QMs). This 1,6-conjugate addition protocol offered rapid access to a large array of triarylethane products in good yields. The catalyst loading could be reduced to 1 mol %. Studies pertinent to scale-up reaction and product derivatization were also presented.

Automated summary

A carbon-carbon bond formation reaction catalyzed by Hf(OTf)(4) between 2-alkyl-azaarenes and para-quinone methides (p-QMs) was reported, providing rapid access to a variety of triarylethane products in good yields. The catalyst loading could be reduced to 1 mol%. Studies on scale-up reactions and product derivatization were also presented.