Synthesis of diarylmethane derivatives from Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of benzylic halides with arylboronic acids

A simple catalyst precursor prepared in situ from palladium acetate and triphenylphosphine shows high activity for the Suzuki cross-coupling reaction of benzylic bromides and chlorides with aryl boronic acids. The reaction can be carried out at low catalyst loading (0.002–1 mol%) and under mild conditions (room temperature to 80 °C) furnishing diarylmethane derivatives in high yields (86–99%).