The Triflic Acid-Mediated Cyclization Reactions of N-Cinnamoyl-1-Naphthylamines

In situ activation of benzyl alcohols with XtalFluor-E: formation of 1,1-diarylmethanes and 1,1,1-triarylmethanes through Friedel–Crafts benzylation

The Friedel–Crafts benzylation of arenes using benzyl alcohols activated in situ with XtalFluor-E is described. A wide range of 1,1-diarylmethanes and 1,1,1-triarylmethanes were prepared under simple and mild conditions, without the need for a transition metal or a strong Lewis acid.

Friedel-Crafts reaction of benzyl fluorides: selective activation of C-F bonds as enabled by hydrogen bonding

A Friedel-Crafts benzylation of arenes with benzyl fluorides has been developed. The reaction produces 1,1-diaryl alkanes in good yield under mild conditions without the need for a transition metal or a strong Lewis acid. A mechanism involving activation of the C-F bond through hydrogen bonding is proposed. This mode of activation enables the selective reaction of benzylic C-F bonds in the presence of other benzylic leaving groups.

Cyclisation reactions of N-cinnamoyl-9-aminoanthracenes

N-Cinnamoyl-9-aminoanthracenes cyclise with PPA or triflic acid to form novel 2-azahexacyclo[10.6.6.0(1,5).0(6,11).0(13,18).0(19,24)]tetracosa-6(11),7,9,13,15,17,19(24),20,22-nonaen-3-ones. In contrast, both N-cinnamoyl-N-methyl-9-(2-aminomethyl)anthracene and N-cinnamoyl-9-(2-aminoethyl)anthracene undergo an intramolecular Diels-Alder cycloaddition.