Tetraarylmethanes contain four aryl groups bonded to a central carbon atom.  The shape/three-dimensionality of these molecules have made them useful for a range of applications including organic light-emitting diodes, organic solar cells, hydrogen storage devices, and even drug-delivery.  Despite their importance, there are only a few methods available for their preparation. Toward this end, we have developed a two-step procedure for the preparation of tetraarylmethanes involving a bismuth-catalyzed intramolecular Friedel-Crafts cyclization followed by a nickel-mediated desulfurization reaction.  This method along with applications and limitations will be described.

Synthesis of tetraarylmethanes via a Friedel-Crafts cyclization/desulfurization strategy

256th National Meeting (2018)

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