Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Syntheses of Triarylmethanes (TRAMs)

Abstract

The synthesis of triarylmethanes was evaluated in the presence of various Brønsted and Lewis acids under the same stoichiometric conditions. An efficient silver(I)‐catalyzed synthesis of triarylmethanes is reported. The reaction offers low catalyst loadings and quasi‐stoichiometric conditions (1–1.2 equiv. of electrophile) to access to symmetrical and unsymmetrical TRAMs in moderate to excellent yields (35 examples). Broad substrate scope was observed, including compatibility with ester and cyano groups.