Homologation of Electron-Rich Benzyl Bromide Derivatives via Diazo C–C Bond Insertion

The ability to manipulate C–C bonds for selective chemical transformations is challenging and represents a growing area of research. Here, we report a formal insertion of diazo compounds into the "unactivated" C–C bond of benzyl bromide derivatives catalyzed by a simple Lewis acid. The homologation reaction proceeds via the intermediacy of a phenonium ion, and the products contain benzylic quaternary centers and an alkyl bromide amenable to further derivatization. Computational analysis provides critical insight into the reaction mechanism, in particular the key selectivity-determining step.