The synthesis of benzylic carbocations bearing meta-hydroxyl substituents is difficult due to their lack of resonance stabilization. Now, a catalytic enantioselective reaction between meta-hydroxyl triarylmethanols and indoles, proceeding through a meta-hydroxyl triarylmethyl cation, is reported. A range of chiral tetraarylmethanes with anticancer activity are prepared.
- Xuefeng Tan
- Zhiqin Deng
- Jianwei Sun
