Enantioselective Synthesis of Triarylmethanes via Organocatalytic 1,6‐Addition of Arylboronic Acids to para‐Quinone Methides

A method for the preparation of chiral triarylmethanes via organocatalytic 1,6‐addition of arylboronic acids to para‐quinone methides (p‐QMs) was established. Here the use of salicylaldehyde‐derived p‐QMs with an ortho‐hydroxy substituent as a directing group was essential for the remote stereocontrol. In the presence of a BINOL catalyst, chiral triarylmethanes can be obtained in high yields (up to 99%) with excellent enantioselectivities (up to 99% ee). This method shows broad substrate tolerance and can be easily scaled up, both electron‐rich and electron‐deficient arylboronic acids are suitable substrates for this addition reaction.