Catalyst-Enabled Chemodivergent Construction of Alkynyl- and Vinyl-Substituted Diarylmethanes from p-Quinone Methides and Alkynes

Here, a catalyst-controlled chemodivergent 1,6-addition of p-quinone methides with alkynes was developed, affording diverse alkynyl- and vinyl-substituted diarymethanes. In this transformation, copper catalyzed the direct 1,6-addition of p-QMs with alkynes, while iron promoted the three components reaction of p-QMs, alkynes, and halogens from iron salts or added HX acid. The salient features of this transformation include completely controllable chemoselectivity, mild conditions, inexpensive catalysts, and good substrates scopes.