Au(iii)/TPPMS-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts benzylation of deactivated N-alkylanilines in water

Abstract

The Friedel–Crafts reaction of electronically deactivated anilines including those with strong electron-withdrawing NO₂, CN or CO₂H groups is challenging due to the reduced electron density of the aromatic ring. Here, we demonstrate the Au(III)/TPPMS-catalyzed Friedel–Crafts benzylation of deactivated anilines in water. This reaction exhibits operational simplicity and a broad substrate scope with high regioselectivity, enabling rapid access to 2-benzylanilines.