An efficient synthesis of diarylmethanes via InCl3·4H2O-catalyzed dehydration of electron-rich arenes with trioxane

A facile, efficient and environmentally benign procedure for the synthesis of diarylmethanes via the reaction of arenes with trioxane catalyzed by InCl3·4H2O was developed. The reactions of aromatic compounds bearing electron-donating group proceeded smoothly affording the corresponding diarylmethanes in good to excellent yields.