Bis(amino)cyclopropenylidene-Catalyzed 1,6-Conjugate Addition of Aromatic Aldehydes to para-Quinone Methides: Expedient Access to α,α′-Diarylated Ketones

Abstract

A bis(amino)cyclopropenylidene-catalyzed direct method for the synthesis of α,α′-diarylated ketones from aromatic as well as heteroaromatic aldehydes has been developed. This unprecedented organocatalytic protocol offers access to a wide range of α,α′-diarylated ketones in moderate to excellent yields under mild conditions through umpolung of aldehydes followed by 1,6-conjugate addition with para-quinone methides.