Au()/TPPMS-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts benzylation of deactivated -alkylanilines in water

The Friedel-Crafts reaction of electronically deactivated anilines including those with strong electron-withdrawing NO 2 , CN or CO 2 H groups is challenging due to the reduced electron density of the aromatic ring. Here, we demonstrate the Au( iii )/TPPMS-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts benzylation of deactivated anilines in water. This reaction exhibits operational simplicity and a broad substrate scope with high regioselectivity, enabling rapid access to 2-benzylanilines. We demonstrate the Au( iii )/TPPMS-catalyzed Friedel-Crafts benzylation of deactivated anilines in water.