Zirconocene-catalyzed alkylation of aryl alkenes with alkyl tosylates, sulfates and bromides

Article abstract of DOI:10.1016/S0040-4039(98)02097-8

Styrenes were alkylated with alkyl tosylates, sulfates and bromides in the presence of a zirconocene catalyst and (n)BuMgCl in THF. By the use of this reaction, primary and secondary alkyl groups can be introduced regioselectively at the benzylic carbon of styrenes to give α-substituted ethylbenzenes.