N‐[α‐(o‐ and p‐Methoxyaryl)alkyl]benzotriazoles: Preparation and Use in Synthesis

Methoxybenzenes and ‐naphthalenes are benzotriazolylmethylated in the para‐position or if this is blocked in an ortho‐ position. The methylene groups in the products are readily substituted by electrophiles via the lithiated derivatives. Displacement of the benzotriazole group can be effected by organometallic reagents or by electron‐rich benzoid compounds to afford a versatile method for the synthesis of substituted aryl ethers.