Recent Advances in Triarylmethane Synthesis
Ling Zhang, Xiaoyan Lin, Dayun Huang, Xue Liu, Xiangmei Wu
Abstract
Triarylmethanes are important molecules in organic chemistry. This review discusses advances in their synthesis summarized in five categories according to the starting materials: (1) benzyl reagents with different leaving groups, such as benzyl alcohols, ethers, esters, phosphates, sulfones, thioethers, sulfonamide, 1,3-dicarbonyls, and ammonium salts; (2) reactions via para- or ortho-quinone methides; (3) arylation of benzyl halides; (4) C–H activation of methylenes; and (5) reactions of aldehydes or N-tosylhydrazones. Triarylmethane derivatives such as 9-arylxanthenones, 9-arylfluorenes, and aryloxepines are also discussed. 1 Introduction 2 Benzyl Reagents with Leaving Groups 3 Quinone Methide Mediated Reactions 4 Arylation of Benzyl Halides 5 C–H Activation of Methylene 6 Reactions of Carbonyl Compounds 7 Conclusions