The catalytic Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of aromatic compounds with benzyl or allyl silyl ethers using Cl 2Si(OTf) 2 or Hf(OTf) 4

Abstract

The Friedel–Crafts alkylation reaction of various aromatic compounds with benzyl or allyl silyl ethers is effectively promoted under mild reaction conditions using Lewis acid catalysts. A mixture of the desired phenyltolylmethanes is obtained in 80% yield from toluene with benzyl dimethylsilyl or trimethylsilyl ether at 50°C in the presence of a catalytic amount of Cl 2Si(OTf) 2 or Hf(OTf) 4.