Indium-catalyzed C(sp3)–H functionalization of 2-methylazaarenes through direct benzylic addition to trifluoromethyl ketones

Abstract

The application of trivalent indium for the Lewis acid-catalyzed C(sp³)–H functionalization of 2-methylazaarenes is reported. InCl₃ was discovered to catalyze the direct addition of the benzylic C–H bond in the azaarenes to trifluoromethyl ketones. An ample number of substrates were cogently demonstrated to give the products as trifluoromethylated alcohols whereby in some cases, up to quantitative yield (99%) could be obtained.