Synthesis of Triethyl Arylmethanetricarboxylates by the Manganese(III)-Promoted Reaction of Electron-Rich Aromatic Systems with Triethyl Methanetricarboxylate

Electron-rich aromatic systems undergo tri(ethoxycarbonyl)-methylation, in fair to excellent yields, on reaction with triethyl methanetricarboxylate (2) in the presence of manganese(III) acetate at 60-65°C in acetic acid solution.