Deoxygenative cross-coupling of aryl ketones with (Hetero)arenes mediated by a TiCl4/Ammonia borane system

A simple and mild protocol for the direct deoxygenative coupling of aryl ketones with electron-rich (hetero)arenes to construct the C(sp2)−C(sp3) bond was achieved, which was mediated by TiCl4 and by using ammonia borane (AB) as the reductant. This strategy provides a novel protocol for the synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl- and triarylmethanes. [Display omitted] •An efficient protocol for the deoxygenative cross-coupling of aryl ketones with (hetero)arenes•Performed under mild conditions and could tolerate a variety of functional groups•A novel approach for the synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl- and triarylmethanes.