Borane-Catalyzed Divergent para and ortho C-Alkylation of Arylamines Using Benzylic Alcohols

Abstract

A catalyst-controlled divergent alkylation of diarylamines with benzylic alcohols has been developed. Para-C-alkylation of diarylamines could be achieved by using B(C6F5)3 as catalyst, whereas ortho C-alkylation of diarylamines could be achieved by using HBF4·Et2O as catalyst. The salient features of this transformation include readily available materials, broad substrate scope, easily available catalysts and simple and mild reaction conditions.