10.1021/ol0523143
The study investigates a method for synthesizing 1,1-diarylalkanes and 1-aryl-1-heteroarylalkanes using FeCl3 as a catalyst. The researchers explored the hydroarylation of styrenes with electron-rich arenes and heteroarenes, finding that FeCl3 effectively catalyzes the reaction under mild conditions, yielding high selectivity and good yields. The study involved various styrenes (such as 4-chlorostyrene and simple styrene) and electron-rich arenes (including o-xylene and methylthiophenes), with FeCl3 playing a crucial role in facilitating the addition of these olefins to the aromatic compounds. The reactions were optimized for temperature, solvent, and reaction time, with the best results achieved at 80 °C using the arene as solvent. The developed method offers a practical and cost-effective approach to synthesizing diarylalkanes, which are important in the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.