Silver(I)‐Catalyzed Syntheses of Triarylmethanes (TRAMs)

The obtention of triarylmethanes was first evaluated in the presence of various Brønsted and Lewis acids under the same stoichiometric conditions. An efficient silver(I)‐catalyzed synthesis of triarylmethanes is reported. The reaction offers low catalyst loadings and quasi stoichiometric conditions (1‐1.2 equiv. of electrophile) to access to symmetric and unsymmetric TRAMs in moderate to excellent yields (35 examples). A broad scope of substrates is observed, with a chemotolerance to ester and cyano groups.