Metal‐ and Reagent‐Free Dehydrogenative Formal Benzyl–Aryl Cross‐Coupling by Anodic Activation in 1,1,1,3,3,3‐Hexafluoropropan‐2‐ol

A selective dehydrogenative electrochemical functionalization of benzylic positions that employs 1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoropropan-2-ol (HFIP) has been developed. The electrogenerated products are versatile intermediates for subsequent functionalizations as they act as masked benzylic cations that can be easily activated. Herein, we report a sustainable, scalable, and reagent- and metal-free dehydrogenative formal benzyl-aryl cross-coupling. Liberation of the benzylic cation was accomplished through the use of acid. Valuable diarylmethanes are accessible in the presence of aromatic nucleophiles. The direct application of electricity enables a safe and environmentally benign chemical transformation as oxidizers are replaced by electrons. A broad variety of different substrates and nucleophiles can be employed.