Atom-efficient transition-metal-free arylation of ,-acetals using diarylzinc reagents through Zn/Zn cooperativity.

Exploiting the cooperative action of Lewis acid Zn(CF) with diarylzinc reagents, the efficient arylation of ,-acetals to access diarylmethylamines is reported. Reactions take place under mild reaction conditions without the need for transtion-metal catalysis. Mechanistic investigations have revealed that Zn(CF) not only acts as a Lewis acid activator, but also enables the regeneration of nucleophilic ZnAr species, allowing a limiting 50 mol% to be employed.