Regiospecificity in reactions of metal phenoxides: 2,2′-dihydroxytriphenylmethanes from aryloxymagnesium bromides and aromatic aldehydes

Abstract

C-Regiospecific attack of aromatic aldehydes at the ortho-position of an aryloxymagnesium bromide in benzene leads to 2,2′-dihydroxytriphenylmethanes in excellent yields. A chelate reaction mechanism is proposed as the basic reason for the exclusive ortho-substitution.