Synthesis of diarylmethanes via a Friedel–Crafts benzylation using arenes and benzyl alcohols in the presence of triphenylphosphine ditriflate

Triphenylphosphine ditriflate (TPPD) was found to be an efficient promoter for the Friedel–Crafts benzylation of arenes with benzyl alcohols in CH2Cl2 at room temperature. The good yields, the 1:1 molar ratio of arene and benzyl alcohol, the benzylation of chlorobenzene as a nonactivated aromatic compound at room temperature, and no by-product formation are the main advantages of this procedure.