Synthesis of Polyarylated Methanes through Cross-Coupling of Tricarbonylchromium-Activated Benzyllithiums

Support group: Coordinated to the tricarbonylchromium fragment, a typically unstable benzylic organolithium can participate directly in cross‐coupling reactions with aryl bromides to form polyarylated methane derivatives (see scheme). Cr(CO)3 assistance leads to reactivity with a variety of coordinated substrates and—given multiple benzylic sites—can effect up to six coupling events per arene.