Borane-Catalyzed Divergent para and ortho C-Alkylation of Arylamines Using Benzylic Alcohols

Abstract A catalyst-controlled divergent alkylation of diarylamines with benzylic alcohols has been developed. A para C-alkylation of diarylamines could be achieved by using B(C6F5)3 as the catalyst, whereas ortho C-alkylation of diarylamines could be achieved by using HBF4·Et2O as the catalyst. The salient features of this transformation include readily available materials, a broad substrate scope, easily available catalysts, and simple and mild reaction conditions.