Palladium-catalyzed synthesis of diarylmethanes: exploitation of carbanionic leaving groups.

A novel route to the synthesis of diarylmethanes via a Pd-catalyzed alpha-arylation of benzyl ketones is reported. By harnessing the inherent reactivity of enolates, it is possible to circumvent the need for a transmetalating reagent such as boron for the coupling. Additionally, the two phenyl rings of the intermediate are exploited to stabilize the high-energy carbanionic leaving group in a straightforward synthesis.