Potassium‐Zincate‐Catalyzed Benzylic C−H Bond Addition of Diarylmethanes to Styrenes

Direct functionalization of the benzylic C−H bond of diarylmethanes is an important strategy for the synthesis of diarylmethine‐containing compounds. However, the methods developed to date for this purpose require a stoichiometric amount (usually more) of either a strong base or an oxidant. Reported here is the first catalytic benzylic C−H bond addition of diarylmethanes to styrenes and conjugated dienes. A potassium zincate complex, generated from potassium benzyl and zinc amide, acts as a catalyst and displays good activity and chemoselectivity. Considering the atom economy of the reaction and the ready availability of the catalyst, this reaction constitutes a practical, efficient method for diarylalkane synthesis.